How to Grow and Care for Pussy Willow

25.09.2024 - 02:33 / gardenerspath.com / Molly Marquand

How to Grow and Care for Pussy Willow Salix caprea, S. cinerea, S. discolor

If you’re searching for a plant to bring life to your garden as soon as spring begins, look no further than pussy willow.

These shrubs or small trees are the most reliable harbinger of spring and are covered in silky, silvery blossoms during the season’s earliest days.

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In addition, pussy willows are incredibly cold hardy and grow very quickly.

Their one vital requirement is consistent soil moisture. If you’ve got that, give this wetland staple a try in your landscape.

In our guide to growing willows, we discuss the cultivation requirements for the most popular Salix species. In this article, we’ll talk specifically about pussy willow.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

Members of the Salicaceae family, there are three main species commonly known by the name pussy willow: Salix caprea, S. cinerea, andS. discolor.

The first two are widely distributed Eurasian species, the latter is native to and found growing wild across northern North America.

Although these three species are native to very different regions, they bear striking resemblance to one other in both form and ecological function.

All three species have grayish-green, ovate leaves, are quick growing, with straight stems, smooth, gray bark, and, of course, stunning, silver flowers in spring.

They also all inhabit wetland areas in their native regions where they serve as important food sources for different insects, such as caterpillars.

Importantly, S. cinerea has recently been listed as an invasive species in certain parts of North America. Once mature, this shrub