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- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 20 - 25 Feet
- Mature Spread 20 - 25 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Common Pussy Willow, or Salix Discolor, is a classic streamside willow that is an aggressive growing, weak-wooded, spring bloomer. This Pussy Willow stands at an impressive height of 20 to 25 feet tall, with a spread of 18 to 20 feet. In the earliest parts of spring, the Common Pussy Willow flowers with small tufts of soft, furry, yellow-tipped catkins. The fine coating of fluff on the shell of the bloom is there to insulate in the still-cold temperatures of early spring. These catkins produce heaps of pollen because they rely more on wind and not pollinators to facilitate their spread.
Native to the United States and bred by American Beauties Native Plants, this landscaping staple attracts critical pollinators and butterflies with its early season nectar. Its massive growth also makes it an ideal cover for birds and small mammals. Pussy Willows are dioecious. The male plants produce fuzzy flowers, while the females bloom with hairy, curved, yellowish catkins.
Common Pussy Willow Care
Pussy Willows are incredibly resilient and can tolerate any soil, even those with poor drainage and excess water. You can maximize their potential by planting them in full to partial sun and placing them in areas with access to water. You should prune your Common Pussy Willows regularly and hard. This heavy pruning helps control size, as well as encourages fresh growth in the coming season. A great way to do this is to cut stems and bring them indoors to enjoy. The Common Pussy Willow is a common cut flower used by florists.
Pussy Willows have deep, invasive roots that are difficult to garden beneath. Do not plant Pussy Willows near sewer lines or septic tank fields. They are vulnerable to aphids, tent caterpillars, borers, and spider mites. If you’re from the northwest, monitor your plants for signs of twig blight. In Texas, watch for signs of root rot.
Common Pussy Willow Spacing
These Pussy Willows are great as screen plants, or erosion control of streams and river banks. Their flower catkins can be cut in bud and brought indoors to bloom. When planting, space plants 2 to 4 feet apart between each shrub. They will spread quickly, so give them plenty of space to grow.
Common Pussy Willow Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 20 - 25 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 18 - 20 Feet |
| Spacing: 18 - 20 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Brown, Green, White, Yellow |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Bright Green |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Heat |
| Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Native to North America |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Common Pussy Willow |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: SALIX DISCOLOR |
- SKU:
- 1231001159-pc
Container Sizes
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know 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
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know 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
#3 Pot
Also Know 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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.