Pussy Willow

Genus salix






The name is given by how the catkins are furry and grey when young and in early spring like cats.

  • Native to northern Europe, northwest Asia, and northern North America, their occupation stretches from Alaska to even Maine.

  • Being a deciduous shrub (leaves fall during Autumn) the small tree grows up to 20 feet (6 meters) with brown shoots.

  • The leaves are oval 3-14cm in length and 1-3.5cm broad. 

  • Like other willows, it contains salicin, and was used by Native Americans as a painkiller

  • Vincent’s Forester Fun Fact: The pussy willow is a favorite in Asia during Chinese/Lunar New Year for its fluffy blossoms and jade green shoots resembling prosperity. In Northern Europe, the pussy willow replaces palm tree branches during Palm Sunday, a Christian holiday, due to palm trees not growing that far north. 

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