Willow Confusion!

Can someone tell me what the difference is between a Salix Contorta & a Salix Tortuosa? or is it the same tree?
I've been given a Salix Contorta but can only find info about the Tortuosa :confused:

 

do not know of a SALIX CONTORTA, but the SALIX TORTUOSA, known as the Twisted Willow I do know.
are you sure its a SALIX and not a CORYLUS CONTORTA, which is the Twisted Hazel

 

It does have "Twisted Willow" in Brackets but it def says Salix Contorta, its from Homebase so it could be anything! I would perhaps go along with the Tortuosa so if you could give me any info on it I would be grateful, if I plant a cutting of it does it grow true to type? (twisted)

 

Yes, tortuosa, twisted willow

Common willow is easy to do cuttings.
propogate by semi ripe cuttings in summer, or the way I prefer is hardwood cuttings in winter.
cut lengths about a foot long, put in bucket of water overnight, push spade into ground making a slit trench, put 2 cuttings into each trench, heel in, leave, and they should have rooted by the following spring.
you may get 50% success of them coming true to type, any more than that well done. the common willow roots with 100% success

 

Rossco, can you explain more about why cuttings do not grow true to type? This confuses me, although I don't doubt you're right.
I was lucky with my twisted willows then, they came in a bouquet of flowers, and all 3 rooted. I gave 2 away but all three have made nice little twisted trees.