Pussy Willow
In early spring the silky catkins of Pussy Willow open well ahead of other flowering plants. The catkins bloom conspicuously on bare stems, before the leaves appear, and offer a critical source of pollen for native bees that emerge early in the season …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Moist, Wet |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Height | 10' - 20' |
| Bloom Color | White, Yellow |
| Bloom Time | Mar |
| Spacing | 5' - 10' |
| Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Root Type | Fibrous |
| Benefits | Birds, Pollinators, Host Plant |
In early spring the silky catkins of Pussy Willow open well ahead of other flowering plants. The catkins bloom conspicuously on bare stems, before the leaves appear, and offer a critical source of pollen for native bees that emerge early in the season.
The trunks of Pussy Willow are typically clustered with a strong upright form that provides good cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds. This clonal plant spreads by rhizome and can form dense thickets. Native to wetlands, marsh edges and river bottoms, Pussy Willow thrives in moist to wet areas where many other species would struggle. The blue-green leaves are a larval food source for Mourning Cloak and Viceroy butterflies.
