Pussy willow typically starts flowering in March.
pussy willow
Salix discolor
Also Known As - native willowPussy willow (Salix discolor) is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It grows up to 15 feet tall with a spreading crown and broad spreading branches. Its trunk is reddish-brown and deeply furrowed. Its leaves are lance-shaped, 4-8 inches in length, with a downy texture. In early spring, fluffy, silvery-gray catkins appear on the plant, which give rise to its common name. The pussy willows are quite fragrant and provide a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. This hardy species grows in a variety of soils from bogs to well-drained upland soils, and is often used for streambank stabilization.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flowers:
Yellow stamens/greenish styles Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Soil:
Sandy Loamy Clay
Fruits:
silver,gray,gray Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,yellow
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
watering
Pussy willows should be watered regularly, but not too frequently. During the growing season (spring and summer), water the plant deeply and thoroughly once every 7-10 days (or according to the region's precipitation rate), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. During the winter months, reduce watering to 1-2 times a month since the plant needs little water during the dormant season. Be sure to check the soil moisture levels before watering, as overwatering can cause root rot.
sunlight
Pussy willow typically requires around 6 to 8 hours of daylight every day during its active growth season from early spring to late summer. The plant can handle direct sunlight, but it will develop best when provided with bright, indirect light. During the late fall and early winter months, this species can endure 8 to 9 hours of silence in order to stay healthy. During these months, the plant should either be placed in an area with very little sunlight or covered with a light-blocking cloth or shade cloth.
pruning
Pussy willow plants should be pruned when the plant is dormant from late fall to early spring. Pruning should be done to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. Prune back weak, scattered branches to encourage more bushy and compact growth. The amount of pruning should be kept to a minimum as too much pruning can damage the plant's structure. Remove 1-third of the oldest stems each season leaving several oldest shoots intact to help keep the plant vigorous.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting season for Salix discolor typically begins in late April or early May.
