Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Enjoy early spring blooms with the Salix melanostachys or Black Pussy Willow. The large, black catkins bloom in March and April. The blooms welcome spring and provide visual interest at a time when most plants are not very showy. The unique color and texture are eye-catching. Trim the stunning flowers to display in a vase.
This shrub thrives in damp areas, making it an excellent option for areas along ponds, lakes, or rivers. Use this shrub to control erosion along a water feature or to soak up moisture in areas prone to flooding. The Black Pussy Willow is a fast grower, so give it room to spread. Pussy willows create a woodland-inspired landscape, and this cultivar grows in zones 4 through 8.
Black Pussy Willow Care
Plant the Black Pussy Willow in full sun to partial shade in rich, moist soil. Plants grow best in damp conditions, but extended exposure to standing water can be an issue. Pussy willows need about one inch of water per week and may not require supplemental watering if planted in damp soil. Fertilize Black Pussy Willow in the fall using a balanced plant food.
Pruning is a necessary part of caring for pussy willows because these plants can quickly overtake a landscape. Overgrown plants often have brittle branches, so trimming pussy willows keeps the plants at a manageable size and reinvigorates growth. Prune the Black Pussy Willow for size during late spring after the blooms fade, although dead or damaged growth can be removed at any time.
Black Pussy Willow Spacing
The Black Pussy Willow is a large, spreading shrub that stands 8 to 12 feet tall and wide. The ideal spot will be able to accommodate a large and fast-growing plant. Space the Black Pussy Willow at least 6 feet from other plants, and be ready to cut back an established plant as needed if it outgrows its area.
Black Pussy Willow Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 8-12 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 8-10+ Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Black
- Flower Description
- Black
- Bloom Time
- Late Winter to Early Spring
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Black Pussy Willow
- Also Known As
- French Pussy Willow
- Botanical Name
- Salix Melanostachys
- Plant Type
- Tree
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!