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Bloom & Buzz Small-batch. Single source. Carroll County, Tennessee.

Plant profile

Darts Snake

Darts Snake

Salix matsudana f. tortuosa

Expected availability · late 2028

Willow Catkin / CurlsWillow Works
Sun
Full sun to part sun
Hardiness
Field evaluation in West Tennessee Zone 7b
Harvest
Dormant-season stems; catkin selections also harvested at marketable bud stage

At a Glance

FineBoldFine to Bold, position 3 of 5
StraightSculpturalStraight to Sculptural, position 5 of 5
SupportingFocalSupporting to Focal, position 5 of 5
FlexibleRigidFlexible to Rigid, position 3 of 5
Fresh displayDried displayFresh display to Dried display, position 5 of 5

About

Choose Darts Snake for strongly contorted stems. This Willow Works selection is being developed for customers who want distinctive, useful willow material.

Best Uses

Statement arrangements, tall containers, dried displays, and sculptural floral work.

Choose This If…

Choose this if you want the branch itself to create movement and become a focal design element.

Material Details

Strongly contorted stems. Primary harvest: Late Winter–Early Spring. Best stage: Catkins at marketable bud/open stage.

Growing requirements

Water
Consistent moisture during establishment; willow generally performs best with reliable moisture
Soil
Adaptable where moisture is adequate; field performance will refine local guidance.
Drainage
Moist, not drought-prone
Growth rate
Fast

Fruit, flower, or harvest traits

The feature to watch is strongly contorted stems. Best suited to catkin stems, floral design, seasonal branches.

Pollination and compatibility

Willows are dioecious; flower sex will be recorded from field observation where not already verified.

Role at Bloom & Buzz

We chose this variety first for its customer value as strongly contorted stems. When it flowers, its place in Willow Works also connects the crop to Bloom & Buzz Apiary by adding seasonal forage for pollinators.