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Jesse Saylor
Salicaceae
Salix discolor
American Pussy Willow
This is the American pussy willow, the herald of the coming of spring and the source of beautiful fresh-cut wands for bouquets. It is native to the Northeast and North-central U.S. This is a small, deciduous tree or large shrub that thrives in wetlands along water courses and low places where its feet stay wet. It is a vital plant for holding banks and shores thanks to its extensive network of fine roots (that can also clog water lines and leach fields). Pussy willow produces upright growth but may also produce abundant suckers (shoots from the base). Its brittle branches are sheathed in patchy, gray bark. The leaves are lance-shaped and dull green, with silvery undersides and serrated edges.
This willow is a diecious plant, which means that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Those that produce the most desirable characteristic, the large fuzzy buds, are males. To ensure this quality, insist on labeled male plants at the garden center. Buds begin to swell in early spring producing showy silky catkins. Those of the female trees are small and green-tinted.
Like all willows, this plant can be easily propagated by cuttings which are quick to strike root in the spring. Pussy willow is a natural in both the wild and native landscape as well as the crafter's cutting garden.
8 - 2
4 - 8
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
12'-15' / 3.7m - 4.6m
Early Spring
Northeastern United States, North-Central United States
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Poorly Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Wet Site
Very Fast
Ample Water
Upright/Erect
Spring
Showy
Silver
Green
Yellow, Green
Gray
Spotted/Mottled
No
Coarse
Matte
Platy
Bog Garden, Cutflower
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