Gathering Pussy Willows at My Farm

March 29, 2019

The furry catkins of pussy willows are one spring's earliest harbingers - their branches shimmer in the moist to wet soil near meadows, swamps, and streams. Sometimes the furry twigs can be seen even when there's still snow on the ground.

Earlier this month, my gardeners cut bunches of pussy willows from a grove I planted along the wetlands behind my main greenhouse. These deciduous shrubs, Salix, naturally grow up to 20-feet tall, or even more if left unpruned. They are very easy to multiply and make wonderful cut arrangements. We always collect a good number of branches of various cultivars to make large, dramatic displays for my home.

Here are some photos - enjoy.

: Pussy willow is a common name given to many smaller species of the genus, Salix. During this time of year, fuzzy nubs start to appear along the branches of pussy willows. These soft silver tufted plants are named for their resemblance to tiny cats’ paws, but they’re actually the flowers just before they fully bloom. The soft coating of hairs acts as insulation to protect these early bloomers from cold temperatures.

: My pussy willow grove is located in a field where there is room for them to flourish. Pussy willows grow in almost any kind of moist soil and thrive best in full sun, but while they don’t take up a lot of space, their roots can be quite invasive, so don’t plant them near water lines or septic systems.

: Pussy willow trunks can be either single or clustered with flexible branches and branchlets.

: Some pussy willows have very large, furry catkins.

: While other varieties have smaller catkins. This is ‘Purple Heirloom’. It has attractive blonde bark, thin grassy stems, and lots of small dark purple catkins.

: Although they can be allowed to grow unpruned, pussy willows will benefit from regular pruning after blooming. Pruning makes picking reachable and quick. These pussy willows are pruned every couple of years.

: Here is Ryan assessing the length and growth of these pussy willow offshoots. Most of the branches will be cut down without the use of a ladder.

: This year, I wanted to pick only the straightest and longest branches.

: Shorter ones and those with many branchlets will be left alone.

: And look who’s sitting nearby – Blackie loves to watch the crew at work.

: This unusual willow is Salix udensis ‘Sekka’, or Fantail Willow. It has a unique, flattened form, rich color, and small catkins.

: Only some of the twigs develop the flat “fantail” at their tips. The rest maintain their pencil profile to the tip. Fantailed or not, all the stems are red at the ends, with the middle portions of the stems becoming more orange or cinnamon in color.

: Here’s Gavin cutting a nice, long and sturdy branch.

: Try not to pick too many of those that are already beginning to flower and change color.

: Ryan carries the first of several bunches to the side before going back to cut more. I always like to have lots and lots of pussy willows for my arrangements.

: Gavin has another good bunch of pussy willow branches.

: Depending on their appearance, we always gather as many different varieties of pussy willow as possible.

: After cutting enough to fit the back of the Polaris, the bundles are ready to be transported to my Winter House.

: Each bunch is tied in a bundle using jute twine. Sometimes I like to keep the arrangements tied in the container for added support.

: All the bunches are tied together by type and then stood up in a dry bucket and left in my carport where I can see them as soon as I get home from work.

: Later that weekend, I placed one big bunch in this urn located in my dining room. The pussy willows will keep their upright position. I love making large arrangements for use indoors – the bigger, the better!

: And here is another arrangement on the opposite side of the room – I love the choice of long straight branches. The willow buds will last for weeks and will not open as long as they’re kept dry. I’ll keep them here through the Easter holiday – my guests will love them!