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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
shrub
Lifespan
perennial
Height
6–20 ft
Spacing
4–12 ft apart
Light
sun, part shade
Soil moisture
moist, wet
Soil pH
acidic, neutral
Bloom
March, April
Bloom colors
yellow, green
Wildlife value
pollinators, songbirds, butterflies, larval host
Caterpillar hosts
~455 butterfly & moth species
Landscape uses
specimen, hedge or screen, rain garden
Native states
CT, IA, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, VT, WI, WV