Golden Curls willow (Salix x sepulcralis ‘Erythroflexuosa’, also listed as Salix ‘Golden Curls’ and sometimes sold under the trade name Scarlet Curls) is a willow that manages to be theatrical without being exhausting, delivering year-round ornamental interest through a combination of twisted, corkscrewing branches, long narrow leaves that spiral as they grow, and warm golden-yellow bark that glows in winter sun with a brightness that few other deciduous trees can match in the cold season. It’s a tree that draws immediate attention and provokes curiosity from anyone encountering it for the first time, and it maintains that interest through all four seasons rather than delivering a single dramatic moment and then receding into the background. If you have the space and the moisture that willows require, Golden Curls offers some of the most dynamic and distinctive ornamental character available in a medium-sized landscape tree.

A hybrid willow with Salix alba ‘Tristis’ and Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ in its parentage, Golden Curls combines the weeping tendency of the golden weeping willow with the twisted, contorted branching of the corkscrew willow, and the result is a tree that captures the most ornamentally interesting qualities of both parents. It’s hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, giving it a very broad and practical hardiness range across most of North America. It thrives in full sun and develops its best form, most vigorous growth, and most vivid winter bark color with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It’s strongly adapted to moist to wet soils and performs beautifully along stream banks, pond edges, rain gardens, and low-lying areas where other trees might struggle or fail entirely. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, and while it’s quite adaptable to different soil types including clay, it genuinely does best where consistent moisture is available. Drought tolerance is moderate at best once established and poor during establishment, so planting in dry, sandy soils or sites where supplemental irrigation isn’t practical is not advisable. Deer resistance is moderate; deer will browse willows when other food sources are scarce, though they’re not typically a top-tier target.

Golden Curls willow is a deciduous tree with a semi-weeping to broadly spreading habit created by its characteristic twisted, curling branches that spiral and contort in all directions with an almost animated quality. It grows at a fast pace, which is typical of willows, typically adding 3 to 8 feet per year when young and well-sited, and it reaches a mature size of 25 to 40 feet tall and equally wide, though regular pruning can keep it more compact in situations where a smaller tree is needed. The leaves are long, narrow, and lance-shaped in medium green, with a slight twist and curl that echoes the branch structure and gives the entire canopy a lively, kinetic character even in still air. Fall color is a pleasant but modest yellow before leaf drop. The real winter spectacle begins as the leaves fall and the full complexity of the twisted, interlacing branch structure becomes visible, clothed in warm golden-orange to amber-yellow bark that catches winter sun and reflects it back with a warmth and intensity that’s remarkable for a bare tree. The catkins that emerge in very early spring before the leaves are an additional early-season feature, providing one of the first signs of the turning season. The plant is not edible. In the landscape, Golden Curls willow is most effective as a specimen tree near water, as a focal point in a large landscape, as a windbreak or screen near a pond or stream, or as a dramatic structural element in a rain garden or wet meadow planting.

Plant care

Golden Curls willow is a vigorous, fast-growing tree that rewards appropriate siting and a few basic care practices with exceptional ornamental performance. Its speed of growth is one of its most appealing qualities but also one that requires some management to keep the tree healthy, well-structured, and appropriately sized for its space. Getting the moisture and sunlight conditions right from the start is the most important investment you can make.

Watering

Consistent and generous moisture is one of the most important factors in keeping Golden Curls willow healthy and growing well, particularly during its establishment period. Water newly planted trees deeply and frequently throughout the first two growing seasons, keeping the root zone evenly moist throughout the growing season. Unlike many landscape trees that prefer the soil to dry out between waterings, willows genuinely appreciate consistently moist conditions and are well adapted to sites with high water tables, periodic flooding, and poorly drained soils that would defeat most other trees. In average garden soils without a naturally high moisture level, supplemental irrigation through the growing season is important for long-term performance, particularly during summer heat and drought. Established trees in naturally moist sites or near water features typically require no supplemental irrigation at all. In drier sites, deep watering every week to ten days through dry periods keeps the tree performing well and reduces the stress that makes it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Never plant Golden Curls willow in a dry, sandy, or droughty site without a reliable irrigation plan, as persistent drought stress is one of the conditions most likely to compromise the tree’s health and longevity.

Fertilizing

Golden Curls willow is a fast-growing, vigorous tree that doesn’t need or benefit from heavy fertilization in most situations. In average garden soils, supplemental feeding is generally unnecessary, and overfeeding with high-nitrogen fertilizers can push overly rapid, weak growth that’s more susceptible to wind damage and pest problems than growth at the tree’s natural pace. In poor soils or for newly planted trees that seem to be establishing slowly, a light application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring provides a useful boost during the critical establishment period. Once the tree is well established and growing vigorously, which typically happens within two to three years of planting in appropriate conditions, no routine fertilization is needed. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this stimulates tender new growth that won’t harden properly before cold weather arrives.

Pruning

Pruning is one of the most important care practices for Golden Curls willow, and it serves multiple purposes: controlling the tree’s fast growth, maintaining the structural health and attractive form that make it so ornamentally valuable, and reducing the risk of storm damage from branches that may become too long and heavy over time. Willows are vigorous resprouters and handle pruning well, which gives you considerable flexibility in approach. Late winter, just before the new growing season begins, is the best time for significant structural pruning, when the branch structure is fully visible and the tree is preparing to push new growth that will quickly heal pruning wounds. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and address any structural problems while the wood is manageable. For size control, cutting back the longest, most vigorous stems by one-third to one-half in late winter keeps the tree within a practical size range without compromising its ornamental character. The twisted branch structure that makes Golden Curls so attractive is self-renewing; cutting back hard stimulates new twisted, curling growth that maintains the tree’s essential character. Avoid topping the tree or making very large cuts on mature wood, as these create entry points for decay and structural weakness. Light summer pruning to remove any especially vigorous, straight shoots that detract from the curling character is also worthwhile.

Mulching

A 3- to 4-inch layer of shredded bark or wood chip mulch in a wide ring around the base of Golden Curls willow is beneficial during establishment and remains useful throughout the tree’s life. In the naturally moist planting sites where this tree thrives best, mulch is particularly valuable for moderating soil temperature and suppressing the weed and turf competition that can slow establishment. Keep the mulch pulled back 4 to 6 inches from the trunk to prevent moisture accumulation against the bark and reduce the risk of crown rot and pest problems at the base. Wide mulch rings that extend to or beyond the drip line provide maximum benefit and also protect the trunk from string trimmer and mower injury that damages young trees. In drier planting sites where supplemental irrigation is necessary, a generous mulch layer significantly reduces the frequency and volume of irrigation needed to keep the root zone adequately moist. Refresh the mulch layer each spring to maintain adequate depth as it decomposes.

Winter care

Golden Curls willow is cold-hardy through zone 4 and requires no special winter preparation in its appropriate hardiness range. Indeed, winter is one of this tree’s finest seasons, when the bare, twisted branch structure and warm golden bark are revealed in their full complexity and catch the low winter sun in a way that provides genuine, eye-catching warmth in the cold-season landscape. Young trees in their first or second winter benefit from a generous mulch layer over the root zone to insulate roots while they’re still establishing, particularly in zones 4 and 5. Some twig dieback at branch tips is possible in very cold zone 4 winters and can be pruned out cleanly in spring as part of the regular late-winter pruning routine. Established trees handle winter dormancy without any special attention and re-leaf reliably in spring, often quite early in the season, with the catkins providing one of the first signs of the returning growing season.

Managing size and root spread

Golden Curls willow’s fast growth rate and wide-spreading, aggressive root system are its two most important practical considerations for placement and long-term management. Like all willows, it develops an extensive, moisture-seeking root system that can interfere with underground utilities, septic systems, drainage lines, and foundations if the tree is planted too close to these structures. The roots are attracted to any source of water or moisture in the soil, including small cracks or joints in pipes, which they can infiltrate and damage significantly over time. As a general rule, plant Golden Curls willow at least 30 to 50 feet from any underground utilities, septic components, or structures, and farther if possible. Regular pruning to manage the canopy size also helps keep the root spread more proportionate and manageable, though the root system will always be extensive in a healthy, vigorous tree. Understanding this characteristic at the outset and siting the tree accordingly is far preferable to discovering the problem after the tree is mature and established.

Pests and diseases

Golden Curls willow is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that are common to willows generally, and maintaining the tree’s vigor through appropriate siting and watering is the most effective foundation for overall health. Willow aphids can appear in large colonies on new growth and produce copious honeydew that attracts sooty mold and is generally unpleasant; natural predators often manage minor infestations, while larger infestations can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Willow scab, caused by the fungus Venturia saliciperda, produces olive-brown lesions on leaves and can cause significant defoliation in wet springs; it’s rarely fatal but can weaken the tree over time in regions with consistently cool, wet springs. Willow blight is a combination of scab and black canker that can cause more serious damage in susceptible trees. Cytospora canker causes sunken, discolored areas on branches and stems, particularly on stressed or drought-affected trees. Gypsy moth and various caterpillars may defoliate the tree in outbreak years, but healthy willows typically recover from defoliation without lasting harm. Poplar and willow borers can damage stems and branches, with entry holes and sawdust-like frass being the visible signs of infestation. Root rot from Phytophthora and related organisms can occur in waterlogged soils that lack adequate drainage even while remaining moist, a somewhat paradoxical situation that’s best managed by ensuring good soil structure at the planting site. Keeping the tree vigorous through consistent moisture and appropriate pruning is the most reliable defense against most of these problems.

Landscape design

Golden Curls willow is a tree for large, open situations where its considerable mature size, aggressive root system, and need for consistent moisture can all be accommodated without compromise, and in those situations it’s one of the most dramatically beautiful and seasonally dynamic trees available. Near a pond, stream, or other natural water feature, it looks perfectly and naturally at home, its twisted, weeping form reflected in the water surface in a way that doubles the visual impact of its extraordinary branch structure. In a large lawn or open landscape, it creates a focal point of genuine drama that draws the eye from a significant distance and holds interest through all four seasons, from the early catkins of late winter through the animated summer canopy to the glowing golden winter silhouette. In a rain garden or bioswale designed to manage stormwater, it combines functional utility with exceptional ornamental character and works at a scale that smaller rain garden plants can’t achieve. As a windbreak or screen along a property boundary near a pond or wet area, a row of Golden Curls willows provides fast, effective coverage with far more visual interest than conventional screening trees. Companion plants suited to the moist conditions this tree prefers and that complement its dramatic character include river birch, bald cypress, swamp white oak, cardinal flower, blue flag iris, and native ferns. In a winter garden planting that emphasizes bark and branch interest, Golden Curls combines beautifully with red-twigged and yellow-twigged dogwoods, paperbark maple, and white-barked birches for a cold-season palette of warm and cool tones that’s genuinely exciting on a bright winter day.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Golden Curls willow grow? Very fast, which is one of its most appealing and also most important practical characteristics. In good conditions with adequate moisture, expect 3 to 8 feet of new growth per year when the tree is young. This rapid growth rate means it fills a space and creates a significant presence quickly, but it also means regular pruning is necessary to maintain a manageable size and good structural integrity over time.

How big will Golden Curls willow get? Without pruning, expect 25 to 40 feet tall and equally wide at maturity. With regular late-winter pruning to control the longest stems, it can be maintained at a more modest size, though keeping it below 15 to 20 feet requires consistent annual pruning effort. If you need a smaller tree, this is worth factoring into your decision before planting.

Can I plant Golden Curls willow near my house? This is genuinely not advisable. The aggressive, moisture-seeking root system poses a real risk to foundations, underground drainage pipes, and utilities if the tree is planted too close to a structure. Plant it at least 30 to 50 feet from any buildings, underground pipes, or utility lines. It’s best suited to open areas, waterfront situations, and large landscapes where there’s nothing underground or nearby that the roots can damage.

Does Golden Curls willow work well near a pond? It’s one of the best trees you can plant near a pond or other natural water feature. It’s well adapted to the moist soils at water’s edge, its weeping and twisted form is beautifully reflected in still water, and it provides shade and bank stabilization that benefit the pond ecosystem. Just be mindful that its roots may eventually reach the water and that leaf drop in fall contributes organic matter to the pond.

Why is my Golden Curls willow losing leaves in summer? Summer leaf drop on a willow is usually caused by drought stress, aphid infestation, or a fungal leaf disease. Check the soil moisture first, as inadequate water in summer is one of the most common stressors. Inspect the leaves for aphid colonies or signs of fungal spotting or browning. Willows are generally resilient and recover from defoliation if the underlying problem is addressed, but repeated defoliation weakens the tree over time.

How long do Golden Curls willows live? Like most willows, Golden Curls is considered a relatively short-lived tree compared to oaks or maples, with a typical landscape lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Proper siting, consistent moisture, regular pruning to maintain structural integrity, and attentive management of pest and disease problems are the most effective strategies for maximizing its productive lifespan.

Is Golden Curls willow the same as corkscrew willow? They’re related but distinct. Corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’) is one of Golden Curls’ parent species and has a more strictly upright habit with tightly twisted branches. Golden Curls inherits the twisted branching of corkscrew willow combined with the more weeping, pendulous habit of golden weeping willow, creating a form that’s broader, more graceful, and more dramatically ornamental than either parent. The golden winter bark color of Golden Curls is also more vivid than that of corkscrew willow.

Can Golden Curls willow be used for erosion control? Yes, willows are among the best trees for stabilizing stream banks and other erosion-prone, moist sites. The extensive, fibrous root system binds soil effectively, and Golden Curls’ ability to handle periodic flooding and consistently moist soils makes it particularly well suited to bank stabilization situations. For erosion control on dry slopes or upland sites, however, it’s not an appropriate choice given its moisture requirements.

Does Golden Curls willow root easily from cuttings? Yes, willows in general root extraordinarily easily from cuttings, and Golden Curls is no exception. Hardwood cuttings taken in late winter or early spring and simply inserted into moist soil or a glass of water will root reliably within a few weeks. This makes it one of the easiest trees to propagate and share, and it’s a thrifty way to establish additional plants once you have a mature specimen.