The sight of pussy willow branches garnished with velvety soft catkins is a cherished sign of spring that we eagerly anticipate each year. This branch is a perfect addition to any early season transitional planter or arrangement to add some structure, texture, or height. They are also great as a bundle by themselves in a vase.
One important thing to note when putting them in a vase alone is, do not add water. This will cause the branches to swell and sprout. The fuzzy catkins will also grow into pollen filled flowers losing their fuzzy coat of hair. We dry our branches after they are cut allowing them to last longer. In addition to being a decorative statement in your front porch, living room or patio. Pussy willows can also be used in a variety of crafts such as wreaths.
In ensuring you preserve your pussy willow branches as long as possible make sure they are kept out of direct sunlight and are placed in a dry environment.
There are multiple types of pussy willow. Each has their own varying branch and catkin colours and sizes.
One interesting characteristic of the pussy willow plant is that the males and females grow in separate plants. Males tend to produce the early spring catkin where the females grow the less attractive catkin later in the season.
Salix discolour
- Male trees = pearl-gray catkins
- Female trees = small green catkins
- Height 6′ to 15′
Salix caprea
- Male = Pinkish-gray catkins
- Female = Longer green catkins
- Height 12′ to 25′
Salix gracilistyla (NOT available at Countryside this season)
- Gray catkins
- Rose Gold anthers
- Height 6′ to 12′
