Gathering Pussy Willows
It's still officially winter, but around this time, I eagerly await those first signs of spring. And, among my favorite harbingers of the season are the pussy willows - those branches of silvery gray catkins that shimmer in the moist to wet soil near meadows, swamps and streams. Sometimes the furry branches can be seen even when there's still snow on the ground.
Late last month, Ryan and Chhewang cut down bunches of pussy willows from a grove I planted along the wetlands of my farm. We gather several bunches of various cultivars every year to make large, dramatic arrangements for my home.
Here are some photos - enjoy.
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- A few weeks ago, Ryan and Chhewang went down to the pussy willow grove located in an area behind my greenhouse, where there is lots of full sun and moisture. Grown as deciduous shrubs or small trees, they’re valued for the soft, furry catkins they bear in late winter, often while other plants are still dormant.
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- Pussy willow is a common name given to many smaller species of the genus, Salix, when their furry, velvety catkins are young. Salix discolor is the American pussy willow.
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- Pussy willows can grow up to 20-feet or even more, when left unpruned. Pussy willow trunks can be either single or clustered with flexible branches and branchlets.
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- Ryan carried several bunches to the side and then went back for more.
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- Pussy willow is common throughout the southern half of Canada and the north-central and northeastern portions of the United States.
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- Some pussy willows have very large, furry catkins, such as this Giant Pussy Willow.
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- While other pussy willow varieties have smaller catkins, such as these Purple Heirloom pussy willows.
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- Pruning makes picking reachable and can usually be done without a ladder.
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- Here is Chhewang reaching for some higher pussy willow branches full of furry catkins.
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- Although they can be allowed to grow unpruned, pussy willow will benefit from regular pruning after blooming.
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- After cutting enough to fit the back of one of our four-wheelers, the pussy willows were ready to be transported to my house.
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- Chhewang carefully unloaded the branches by type.
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- And then carried them into the flower room, where they would be stored until I made the arrangements.
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- Here is a closer look at the beautiful Giant Pussy Willow with its large velvety catkins that always create a bold display.
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- This unique variety of pussy willow is called Purple Heirloom. It has attractive blonde bark, thin grassy stems, and lots of small dark purple catkins.
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- This is called Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’, or Corkscrew Willow. Having no fuzzy catkins, the main ornamental feature of matsudana is the twisted branches.
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- This unusual willow is Salix udensis ‘Sekka’, or Fantail Willow. It has a unique, flattened form, rich color, and small catkins.
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- Pussy willows root so easily that stems of almost any size can simply be stuck into a vase of water, where they will form roots in just a few weeks.
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- Once the roots form, pussy willows can then be potted into liner pots with moist soil for a few more week while their roots develop.
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- You can also plant cuttings directly into the ground in the spring, where they should eventually root.
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- Willows are known to have invasive roots, so plant away from septic tanks, sewers and water lines.
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- Ryan and Chhewang tied each bundle with jute twine and set them in dry buckets.
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- Pussy willows are often displayed in homes for Chinese New Year, symbolizing growth and prosperity. They are also used as decoration on Palm Sunday as a symbol of Easter.
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- Cutting branches for indoor displays is an excellent use of these pussy willow catkins. I am looking forward to making pretty arrangements – they will look gorgeous in my Brown Room.
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