Salix discolor
Pussy Willow
General
A medium sized shrub commonly found in swamps and on shore edges. It will thrive in commonly flooded areas, and makes a good erosion control plant. The male catkins are often used as a decoration. Several birds and small mammals use pussy willow as a winter food source, as well as deer and moose in some areas.
Plant Description
Medium-large shrub favored for its late winter-early spring growth. Male trees will grow small, silky white catkins; females will grow larger, fluffier, yellow catkins. Leaves are dark green, shiny, and oblong or elliptical. The foliage will turn bright yellow in the fall.
Height (ft)
6-15
Spread (ft)
4-12
Soil moisture
Moist
Soil types
Coarse to fine in texture, neutral pH
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Full sun to partial shade, prefers full sun
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
Medium
Anaerobic tolerance
High
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
none
Self-Pollinating?
No
Range
Northeastern United States along the Canadian border from Maine to North Dakota, and some populations in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the bark is used for fainting, trembling and as a universal remedy. The bark has been used to make nets and ropes, stems used for bows and arrows, the buds used to make red dye, and a decoction of the new twigs used as a painkiller.