Pussy Willow
Salix discolor
Photo by Jen Neal
Summary
Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is a welcome sight as one of the earliest signs of spring, and it’s perhaps the only shrub prized for it buds rather than its flowers. The fuzzy catkins provide cheer for us as we endure the last days of cold weather; even more crucially, they provide essential food for the earliest of emerging pollinators, such as bumble bees.
This large shrub thrives in wet areas and is a perfect choice for rain gardens or wet areas in the landscape. (It’s not fussy though, and adapts well to drier conditions.) Salix discolor is easily confused with French pussy willow or goat willow (Salix caprea) which is native to Europe and Asia. Even experts concede that identification can be difficult: as Thoreau said, “The more I study willows, the more I am confused.” However, once leaves appear, accurate ID is a little easier: the leaves of Salix discolor feature a deep green surface and pale underside, and tend to be broader and longer than those of goat willow.
More Details
FAMILY
Salicaceae (Willow)
BLOOM TIME
March-April-May
FLOWER
White, green, brown
MATURE SIZE
to 20 feet
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Sun to part sun
SOIL CONDITIONS
Moist
NATIVE STATUS
PA Native
Ecosystem Connections
The pollen and nectar of pussy willow provide a rich source of nutrition for early-emerging pollinators such as queen bumble bees. In addition, pussy willow hosts more than 18 species of lepidoptera, including viceroy and hairstreak butterflies and the stunning cecropia and io moths. Leafrollers, sawflies, borers, midges and gnats also enjoy the foliage, and in turn are enjoyed by many birds and their nestlings. Thus pussy willow does double duty—as a bird feeder!