Sign In 
Get Premium American Pussy Willow
(Salix discolor)
American Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
/
/
Fyn Kynd
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Fyn Kynd
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Fyn Kynd | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Fyn Kynd | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Salix discolor, commonly known as American Pussy Willow or Glaucous Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to wetlands, marshes, and along streams and rivers in North America. It is one of two species commonly referred to as pussy willow. Salix discolor typically grows to a height of 6 meters (20 feet) with brown shoots and has a spreading habit that can create dense thickets. The plant is known for its early-spring catkins, which are soft, silky, and silvery, appearing before the leaves. These catkins are particularly showy, with male catkins maturing to a yellow color as they release pollen. The species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants.
The American Pussy Willow is valued for its early spring catkins that provide a source of nectar for bees when few other flowers are available. It is often used in wetland restoration, as it helps stabilize soil and provides habitat for wildlife. In gardens, it is used for naturalistic plantings and as a cut flower for early spring arrangements. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is adaptable to a range of soil types, it does best in acidic to neutral pH soils. Pussy Willow is relatively low-maintenance but can be prone to willow blight and other fungal diseases. It can also spread aggressively by root suckers if not managed, which should be considered when planting near garden borders or structures.CC BY-SA 4.0
The American Pussy Willow is valued for its early spring catkins that provide a source of nectar for bees when few other flowers are available. It is often used in wetland restoration, as it helps stabilize soil and provides habitat for wildlife. In gardens, it is used for naturalistic plantings and as a cut flower for early spring arrangements. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is adaptable to a range of soil types, it does best in acidic to neutral pH soils. Pussy Willow is relatively low-maintenance but can be prone to willow blight and other fungal diseases. It can also spread aggressively by root suckers if not managed, which should be considered when planting near garden borders or structures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 6-20 feet
- Width: 6-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, and along streams and rivers in North America
Other Names
Common Names: Glaucous Willow, Large Pussy Willow, Lowland Pussy Willow, Pussy Willow, Chatons, Saule Discolore, Saule P’Tits-Minous
Scientific Names: , Salix discolor, Salix paradoxa, Salix oxylepis, Salix pringlei, Salix rowleei, Salix discolor var. overi, Salix discolor var. prinoides, Salix prinoides, Salix rowleei var. cana
GBIF Accepted Name: Salix discolor Muhl.