The pussy willow is a common blossoming shrub have it off for its fuzzy catkin - similar bloom . When you require to see a picture of a pussy willow you ’ll in all probability see those iconic gray , silvery bud covered in tiny hairs that give them their name . permit ’s take a tight facial expression at the unique features and growing riding habit of these popular other bloomers .
Pussy Willow Identification
purulent willows belong to the Salix genus of bush and trees . There are over 400 species of willow tree , but the most mutual kitty-cat willow is Salix discolor , also known as American pussy willow .
Some identification feature of pussy willows admit :
The fuzzy catkins provide insulation that protect the tiny flush inside from frost and cold temperature , allowing them to bloom so early in the twelvemonth
Stages of Growth
One of the delight of pussycat willows is watch over the catkins grow through their stages :
Winter buds – The buds first course in fall and overwinter on the unsheathed branches . They are covered in okay , downy hairs that add to their detachment .
Silvery gray catkin – As temperature ardent in other fountain , the catkin swell up and their hairs thrive , giving them a indulgent , silvern appearance . This is the most iconic degree when the great unwashed recognize them as pussy willows .
Pollen handout – The manful catkins will then explode undetermined and release icteric clouds of pollen . The female catkins lengthen and their tiny flowers are receptive to pollination .
come pods – After fertilization , the female catkins passage to green seeded player pods that burst open to release cottony cum carried by the winding .
Leaf growth – Finally , the leave unfurl after the ament are finished blooming , satisfy out the shrub ’s arm .
Uses for Pussy Willows
Beyond being a harbinger of spring in gardens , pussy willows are used for :
How to Grow Your Own
If you want to add these iconic natural spring - bloomers to your landscape painting , pussy willows are easy to get . They thrive in full sun to part shade in dampish land . await for make cultivars selected for better growth habits , catkin size , or colour . ‘ Silver Glory ’ , ‘ Golden Glory ’ , and ‘ Scarlet Curls ’ are some popular varieties . purulent willow tree can spread invasively , so give them lot of room or grow them in containers .
The next clock time you ask to see a picture of a pussy willow , appear for those soft , hazy catkins . Watching them unfurl their silky flower is one of the joys of the springtime garden .
