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A medium to large deciduous tree. Have narrow leaves of about four to ten centimeters long and one to two centimeters broad. The flowers are catkins produced in the early spring. It is dioecious- with the male and female catkins on separate trees. But what makes it wonderful for the flower arranger is its twisting, spiraling twigs. As a result of the ornamental shape of the branches and twigs, this cultivar is commonly used as a bonsai plant. Willows are often planted on the borders of streams so that their interlacing roots can protect the river bank.
I wove three willow spheres for my Floral Art design Three Drops of floral chocolate.
Common name
Curly Willow, Chinese Willow, Tortured Willow, Globe Willow, Dragon's Claw, Hankow Willow
Curly Willow, Chinese Willow, Tortured Willow, Globe Willow, Dragon's Claw, Hankow Willow
Origin
It is native to Northwestern China.
It is native to Northwestern China.
Colors
Light green leaves
Light green leaves
Varieties
Around four hundred species of Salix are listed. There are a few hybrids of the Salix matsudana but this cultivar is still susceptible to cankers and is weak-wooded and prone to storm damage.
Around four hundred species of Salix are listed. There are a few hybrids of the Salix matsudana but this cultivar is still susceptible to cankers and is weak-wooded and prone to storm damage.
Vase life
Twigs in water will develop foliage that later yellows and drops. Will root in deep water. If the branches are kept in clean water it will last for a few years.
Twigs in water will develop foliage that later yellows and drops. Will root in deep water. If the branches are kept in clean water it will last for a few years.
Scent
None
None
Uses
The most obvious is probably using willow stems in an arrangement but I love wrapping wire or test tubes with thin willow twigs and weave the stems into baskets, supports, accessories or panels. Recently, I began researching living willow sculptures as a possible addition to floral art. Living sculptures are created from live willow rods planted in the ground and woven into shapes such as domes or tunnels. Willow wood is used to make boxes, brooms and furniture and for the floral artist it has great manufacturing possibilities. The wood can be pulped for paper, or fibers can be made into string. It is also used as drawing charcoal.
The most obvious is probably using willow stems in an arrangement but I love wrapping wire or test tubes with thin willow twigs and weave the stems into baskets, supports, accessories or panels. Recently, I began researching living willow sculptures as a possible addition to floral art. Living sculptures are created from live willow rods planted in the ground and woven into shapes such as domes or tunnels. Willow wood is used to make boxes, brooms and furniture and for the floral artist it has great manufacturing possibilities. The wood can be pulped for paper, or fibers can be made into string. It is also used as drawing charcoal.
Conditioning
Give the stems a fresh cut and whittle some of the bark away to allow the twigs to hydrate
Give the stems a fresh cut and whittle some of the bark away to allow the twigs to hydrate
Design Example:
Glass
Design Example: Wind Spinner
Design Example: Natural stem hook to hang plant material from
Design Example: Weave a willow twig blind
Design Example: On The Street Where You Live
Design Example: Weaving a twig wreath
Design Example: Twist a twisting Wire Angel
Design Example: Weaving Willow spheres
Design Example: Three Drops of Floral Chocolate
Design Example: In the Summer Time Floral Art Demonstration
Design Example: "A New Age" Child's Midnight Meander (Avatar)
Design Example: Harnessing the Wind
Design Example: Thanksgiving Harvest
Design Example: Flower Girl’s Butterfly Net and Ring Bearer Bug Box
Design Example: The Plant Material used in the Demonstration
Design Example: 'Tis the Season
Design Example: Wind Spinner
Design Example: Natural stem hook to hang plant material from
Design Example: Weave a willow twig blind
Design Example: On The Street Where You Live
Design Example: Weaving a twig wreath
Design Example: Twist a twisting Wire Angel
Design Example: Weaving Willow spheres
Design Example: Three Drops of Floral Chocolate
Design Example: In the Summer Time Floral Art Demonstration
Design Example: "A New Age" Child's Midnight Meander (Avatar)
Design Example: Harnessing the Wind
Design Example: Thanksgiving Harvest
Design Example: Flower Girl’s Butterfly Net and Ring Bearer Bug Box
Design Example: The Plant Material used in the Demonstration
Design Example: 'Tis the Season
