Pussy Willow

Scientific name

Salix discolor

Description

The Pussy Willow is a fast growing, deciduous shrub or small tree found reaching heights of 6m, and is from British Columbia to Newfoundland. This species grows from shoots extending from the base of the trunk, creating a multi-stemmed, tall, round bush. The Pussy Willow is an ideal species for bank stabilization and erosion control due to its large, fibrous root system and love of water. This species branches extend from the main shoots and are usually hairy and reddish-brown in colour. The main shoots of Pussy Willow are smooth and greyish-brown, becoming scaly with age. It produces simple, narrow, lance-shaped leaves alternately arranged along the branch. The Pussy Willow yields purple-brown fuzzy catkins which will form long-beaked and finely haired capsules during May and June.

Planting conditions

Plant in full sun to part shade, moist to wet, well-drained soil. Can tolerate dry soils better than most other Willow species but still grows best in wet soil.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 6m
• Spread:
  • 1-3.5m