PUSSY WILLOWS

The shimmering catkins of the pussy willow break dormancy in late winter, appearing when most other flora has not yet unearthed. The pussy willow is grown for its structural branches and velvety texture that heralds the promise of a new spring.

Stands of the plant form important habitat for nesting birds and provide an early spring food source for pollinators. Many birds, including goldfinches and warblers, make their homes in pussy willow thickets while ruby-throated hummingbirds will also visit to pluck the downy material for their nests.

Please be mindful and take care to harvest only where shrubs are plentiful.

FORCING

Cut branches of pussy willows may be brought inside as early as mid-January and set in a water-filled vase on a sunny windowsill. The catkins will develop and make a nice display for a considerable amount of time. They can also be used outdoor in seasonal containers and window boxes.

Black Pussy Willow S. gracilistylal

French Pussy Willow, Salix caprea

Pink Pussy Willow, S. chaenomeloides

Pussy Willow Wreath

Black Pussy Willow

American Pussy Willow, Salix disco

GROWING

Pussy willows are easy to multiply from late winter cuttings. Simply purchase or harvest pliant branches (approximately 18-24″ long), place them in containers with 2 inches of water and set them aside on a bright window sill. Roots will form in just a few weeks. When the developing roots grow to 3 or 4 inches long they can be potted up into liners or planted directly into the ground once the danger of frost has passed.

At the same time, the branches will begin to show green growth and should be placed in the sun and kept well watered throughout the summer season. In selecting a permanent location, care must be taken to select a site which is sunny and damp. Once in the ground pussy willows grow quickly, particularly if well watered and fertilized occasionally. Toward the end of the first or second winter in the ground one will notice the formation of large buds on the branches of the current summer's growth. These buds contain the catkins. When the catkins have broken half way out of their buds at the end of the following winter, it is time to begin harvesting pussy willows.

#pussywillow #springgardening #forcedbranches #cutflowers #gardeningforbirds #gardeningforpollinators