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Salix discolor (Pussy Willow)

Pussy Willow, American Glaucous Willow, American Pussy Willow, Glaucous Willow, Large Pussy Willow

Salix discolor, Pussy Willow, American Glaucous Willow, American Salix, American Pussy, Catkins
Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea
Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea
Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea
Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea
Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea
Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea

Salix discolor (Pussy Willow) is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree, well-known for its early spring catkins. These fluffy, silver-furred buds precede the leaves, heralding the end of winter.

Salix discolor – Pussy Willow: An In-depth Look

Native: Native to North America, Salix discolor thrives across Canada and the northeastern United States, favoring wetlands, stream banks, and moist woodlands. Salix shrubs and trees belong to the willow family, Salicaceae.

Plant Type and Habit: Salix discolor is a short-lived, rounded, large shrub or small deciduous tree. Its natural growth pattern is somewhat irregular, contributing to its rustic charm. It has a somewhat open branching structure, with branches starting from the base and spreading outward. This structure supports the dense display of catkins in early spring, providing visual interest even before the leaves appear.

Size: Fast-growing, Salix discolor typically reaches 6 to 15 feet in height (180-450 cm) and 4-12 feet in width (120-360 cm), making it a versatile addition to various garden settings. The plant may be cut to the ground every 3-5 years to keep a smaller shrub size.

Flowers: Salix discolor is dioecious with separate male and female plants. Before the foliage emerges in late winter or early spring, male trees produce a display of silky, pearl gray catkins, 1.5 inches long (3 cm), along their reddish-brown stems. Female trees produce small green catkins. Following the flowers, this willow produces small, capsule-like fruits that split open to release numerous tiny seeds, each adorned with white fluff to aid in wind dispersion.

Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea

Foliage: The plant boasts lance-shaped, finely toothed leaves that are dark blue-green on the upper surface and pale to white underneath. In autumn, the foliage turns greenish-yellow, adding seasonal interest.

Bark: The bark is gray and smooth on younger stems, becoming furrowed and darker with age.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, tolerating a wide range of climates and conditions.

Uses: Widely used in landscaping for wet areas, erosion control, wildlife gardens, and as a decorative element in early spring bouquets. Pussy Willow can be used as a windbreak and hedge. In early spring, its flowering branches are in high demand.

Wildlife: This willow is among the first flowering plants in the spring, the catkins providing a high quantity of pollen and nectar as a food source to bees and early pollinators. Birds feed on the seeds.

Deer and Rabbit: Salix discolor is somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits, though young plants may need protection in areas where these animals are prevalent.

Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Invasiveness: It is not typically invasive in its native range, but managing its growth and spread in garden settings is important to prevent unwanted naturalization.

Benefits: Offers significant ecological benefits, including erosion control, habitat creation, and early-season nectar for pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.

Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea

How to Grow and Care for Salix discolor

Growing and caring for Salix discolor, or American pussy willow is straightforward with these guidelines:

Light: Prefers full sun (6 hours of direct sunlight daily).

Soil: Thrives in a wide range of soil types but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of wet conditions, making it ideal for waterside plantings, this willow also tolerates somewhat drier soils better than most other willows.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells and for young plants to establish themselves.

Fertilizer: Pussy willows require minimal fertilization and do well when fed with just compost or leaf mold. You can fertilize them once in the fall with a balanced fertilizer after the plant is over one year old.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the plant. Pruning after flowering allows you to enjoy the catkins before cutting.

Propagation: Easily propagated by cuttings. Take cuttings in late spring or early summer, place in moist soil, and keep well-watered until roots develop.

Pussy Willow, Pussy Willows, Salix discolor, Salix caprea

Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Pussy willows, like many plants, can be susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. However, with proper care and maintenance, these issues can often be minimized or managed effectively. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect pussy willows:

Pests

Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, potentially causing leaf distortion and stunted growth.

Borers: Borers are larvae of various insects that tunnel into pussy willow stems and branches, causing wilting and branch dieback. Prevent infestation by maintaining tree health and removing infested wood promptly.

Caterpillars: Caterpillars can defoliate pussy willows, significantly impacting their growth and vigor. Manual removal or the application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can effectively manage these pests without harming beneficial insects.

Diseases

Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial pathogens cause leaf spots, appearing as discolored areas on leaves. Good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected leaves can help manage this issue.

Canker: Cankers are areas of dead bark on branches or stems, often caused by fungal infections. They can girdle and kill branches. Prune out infected parts and avoid wounding the tree to prevent infection.

Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It typically doesn’t kill the plant but can reduce its vigor and aesthetic appeal.

Common Problems

Branch Breakage: Due to its rapid growth and sometimes brittle wood, branches may break in high winds or under heavy snow loads.

Suckering: Salix discolor can produce suckers from the base, leading to unwanted spread if not controlled.

Leaf Drop: Stress from drought, poor soil conditions, or disease can cause premature leaf drop.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Salicaceae
Genus Salix
Common names Willow, Pussy Willow
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spread 4' - 12'
(120cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, North Dakota, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Midwest, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Southeast, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens, Ponds And Streams
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Salix lasiandra (Shining Willow)
Salix exigua (Coyote Willow)
Salix lasiolepis (Arroyo Willow)
Salix nigra (Black Willow)
Salix purpurea (Purple Willow)
Salix gracilistyla ‘Mount Aso’ (Japanese Pink Pussy Willow)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Pussy Willow: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for This Spring Beauty
Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Green Canopy, Better World: Exploring the Benefits of Trees
Trees that Invite Wildlife to Your Garden
Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Native Plant Alternatives to Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow)
Native Plant Alternatives to Salix alba (White Willow)
Shrubs and Trees with Colorful and Distinctive Twigs in Winter
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Salicaceae
Genus Salix
Common names Willow, Pussy Willow
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spread 4' - 12'
(120cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, North Dakota, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Midwest, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Southeast, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens, Ponds And Streams
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salix (Willow)
Guides with
Salix (Willow)
Not sure which Salix (Willow) to pick?
Compare Now

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