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Pussy Willow

Salix discolor

Silvery furry catkins emerge in late winter, a prized cut stem and one of the earliest pollen sources for native bees. A multi-stemmed wetland shrub for moist soils and pond edges.

Family

Salicaceae

Type

tree

Lifespan

perennial

Height

6–15 ft

Spacing

4–12 ft apart

Light

sun

Soil moisture

moist

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Bloom

February, March

Bloom colors

white, green, brown

Wildlife value

butterflies, larval host

Caterpillar hosts

~455 butterfly & moth species

Landscape uses

hedge or screen, rain garden

Native states

CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY