Pussy Willow, one of the first to bloom
Pussy Willow is a highly economic and ecologically important plant. Come late winter, floral markets fill up with its stems which are adored for their almost animal like fuzzy catkins. As mammals we love the fuzz! We love furry things because their cute and they awaken our nurturing side.
Many plants produce hairs, scientifically known as trichomes. In the case of the pussy willow, one of the earliest blooming plants, these hairs serve as a form of insulation. Pussy willow grows naturally in swamps or along bodies of water where high humidity can produce lots of frost that would otherwise kill early season, unprotected flower buds.
Trichomes are found widely in the plant community. Many desert plants use them as protection from heat, while others use them to defend against insects and herbivores like deer, which dislike the feel of the hairs on their tongue and have a hard time digesting them. Some plants even snare insects with their trichomes, like the carnivorous honeydew, which secretes a thick, sticky like substance on tip of each hair, entrapping their victims.
Once the trichomes appear on pussy willows their pollen soon follows. Like red maples, this pollen plays an important role in supporting early season pollinators and since both the red maple and pussy willow enjoy wet areas, we recommend planting them together. Just keep in mind, pussy willow and most willows require full sun, so avoid tree canopies.
Pussy willow with Red Winged Black Bird
Pussy willow catkins beginning to bloom
GROWING INFO
Height: 6.00 to 12.00 feet
Spread: 6.00 to 12.00 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium to wet
Growing zones: 3 to 8
ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
Early flowers provide forage for pollinators
Leaves are often browsed by deer and moose
Important wetland species
Provides nesting habitat for water fowl and song birds
The willow family (Salicaceae) supports 456 verities of butterflies and months (Lepidoptera)
The number of butterflies and months the willow family supports is incredible. Here's three of our favorite!
Purple Spotted Blue butterfly
Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Viceroy Butterfly (which mimics the Monarch butterfly)