Dragon's Claw Willow is a striking botanical variety of weeping willow native to China, prized for its dramatically twisted and contorted branches that spiral upward like dragon's claws reaching toward the sky. This deciduous tree grows 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, thriving in hardiness zones 5 through 8 with moderate water and maintenance. Unlike its graceful weeping cousins, this variety's architectural branch structure creates a sculptural presence in the landscape, especially striking in spring when flowers emerge in April and May.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-8
360in H x 180in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The twisted, corkscrew branches are the real draw here, creating a one-of-a-kind silhouette that transforms from dramatic winter architecture to soft green foliage in warmer months. Hardy through zone 5, it tolerates wet soil beautifully and resists deer browsing, making it surprisingly practical despite its exotic appearance. This is a tree that stops people mid-walk and makes them ask questions.
Dragon's Claw Willow excels as a specimen tree in rain gardens and other wet sites where its love of moist soil becomes an asset rather than a constraint. The sculptural branching pattern makes it equally valuable as a landscape focal point, where its winter silhouette and spring emergence can anchor a garden's sense of place.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant containerized or bare-root trees in early spring while dormant, or in fall after leaf drop. Space 10 to 15 feet apart to allow for mature width. Plant in areas with good air circulation to reduce disease pressure.
Prune in late winter to early spring before growth begins. Remove any dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches to maintain the tree's sculptural form. Thin out crowded interior growth to improve air circulation and reduce disease susceptibility. Avoid heavy pruning during summer when fresh growth is vulnerable. This willow's naturally contorted branching requires less structural pruning than straight-branched trees, but regular maintenance keeps it healthy and attractive.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“This variety is a botanical selection of Salix babylonica, the weeping willow native to China that has captivated gardeners for centuries. The twisted-branch form, var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa', represents a specific horticultural discovery within that ancient lineage, selected for the extraordinary contorted growth pattern that gives the tree its common name.”