Twisted Willow Dart’s Snake

Grown for its contorted, deep green, winter branches, twisted foliage and year-round interest, Salix x sepulcralis Dart’s Snake is a small, fast-growing, deciduous tree with an upright habit. The snaking branches show at their best in winter, while the narrow, glossy, mid-green leaves are also slightly twisted. In spring, yellow catkins dangle from the bare branches. Because of its wonderfully twisted branches, twisted willow Dart’s Snake shows best as a specimen tree, or as part of a border where it can take centre stage in winter. It can be pruned hard to keep it to size, and the prunings make striking ‘flower’ arrangements.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Moist, moderately fertile, even waterlogged soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Almost all year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 20’ (6m) Spread: 16’ (5m) in 20 years