Twisted Willow Dark Branches: Scratch Test for Winter Dormancy vs. Death

Two 7-ft twisted willows in wooden planters (8 months old) show dark/black branches from 5 ft up. Owner fears death.

Quick Field Test

1. Bend a dark twig: flexible = alive; snaps = dead.
2. Scratch bark with fingernail: green = alive; brown/black = dead.

If green under bark, the dark color is normal winter pigmentation (anthocyanins) or dormancy. If dead, prune 1" into green wood.

Container Check

• Ensure planter drainage holes are open.
• Check root color: white/cream = healthy; black/mushy = root rot.

Willows are tough; most likely alive and pigmenting.