The Urban Pantheist

Urban species #074: Pussy willow Salix discolor


Macro photos by cottonmanifesto

If an award were to be given for "most charismatic shrub," I'd have to cast my vote for the pussy willow. Few others have buds (which have the adorable name "catkins") which have soft grey fur to pet. The fact that they develop these flower buds just as us northerners are desperate for a sign of spring makes it all the better. The fur, as it turns out, provides the same function for the developing flower as it does for mammals: it keeps it warm. Pussy willows bloom early in the spring (or late in the winter, depending on your view) to take advantage of the few pollinators available this time of year. Those pollinators that are active (and here I'm talking about a few kinds of bees and other insects) have few other flowers that they can visit and draw nectar from.

Pussy willows are shrubs (or sometimes small trees) that like swamps and water margins, and may be planted in city parks in such locations. Salix discolor is native to North America, and S. caprea is its European relative. Cuttings of either species can be readily transplanted by simply sticking a cut branch into the ground. Willows of all kinds are favored by herbivores, including urban species like muskrats.

( closer up, and two full images )