Dense cluster of green oval leaves on thin brown stems under a clear blue sky.

Close-up of a multi-stemmed tree in a black pot, showing smooth grey bark and small lenticels on the trunks, outdoors in a nursery.

Dense row of bright green shrubs in a sunny plant nursery setting.

Row of green-leaved shrubs reaching toward a clear blue sky, forming a dense garden hedge.

Young deciduous trees in black nursery pots arranged in a gravel lot under a clear blue sky.

Pussy Willow

Soft Spring Catkins
Moist Site Friendly
Native Wildlife Value

Our Guarantee Customer Reviews

#7 Container

$86.00

19 in stock

Size

Clear

Add installation for only _ per item!

$86.00

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We guarantee that your plants and trees will arrive happy and healthy. If you’re not satisfied after receiving your trees and plants, we’ll replace them at no cost to you. Trees and plants are living organisms and require care, maintenance, and protection to survive, root in, and establish properly. Trees that do not survive despite receiving the proper care, maintenance, and protection within the first year will be considered for a one-time replacement. If you purchased plants outside of your growing zone recommendation, or have not properly cared for your new plants as described in your welcome letter, your purchase won’t be covered by our Grasshopper guarantee.
FREE Local Delivery

Grasshopper Gardens offers free home delivery to customers in our local service areas. Experience the convenience of having your plants delivered straight to your home, free of charge, saving you time and effort.

Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

518-793-9623.
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Pussy Willow

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Pussy Willow

Pussy Willow is a fast-growing native deciduous shrub loved for its soft silver-gray spring catkins, upright branching, and natural charm. It brings early-season interest to rain gardens, pond edges, wildlife plantings, mixed borders, and naturalized areas where moisture is steady.

Why choose Pussy Willow?

Choose Pussy Willow for one of the earliest ornamental displays of the season. Its fuzzy catkins appear before the leaves, adding texture when the landscape is just waking up. This shrub is especially valuable in moist garden areas where many traditional ornamentals are less at home. It also offers excellent cut stems for indoor arrangements and provides early resources for pollinators. With its quick growth and informal shape, Pussy Willow is ideal for naturalized plantings, large borders, and habitat-friendly landscapes.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Salix discolor
Common Name: Pussy Willow
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, upright, multi-stemmed shrub with a broad natural form

Pussy Willow Additional Information

Pussy Willow is best known for its silky silver catkins, which appear in late winter to early spring before the foliage emerges. Male plants typically produce the showiest fuzzy catkins, which later develop yellow pollen. The leaves are medium green through the growing season and drop in fall, leaving a branching winter outline that can be cut and forced indoors for early spring arrangements.

This native willow can grow into a large shrub or small tree, often reaching 10 to 20 feet tall with a broad spread when left unpruned. It is well suited to moist borders, streambanks, rain gardens, pond edges, and naturalized wildlife plantings. Its flowers support early pollinators, and the plant can also provide cover in informal landscapes. Pruning after flowering helps manage size, encourage fresh stems, and keep the shrub full and attractive.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Pussy Willow in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained to consistently damp soil. Choose a spacious location where its mature size and naturally spreading root system fit the landscape.

2. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Once established, Pussy Willow appreciates steady moisture and is especially useful in naturally damp areas, rain gardens, and sites near water features.

3. Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Keep mulch slightly away from the main stems.

4. Pruning: Prune after the catkins finish their spring display. Remove older stems or cut back harder when needed to encourage vigorous new growth and maintain a manageable shrub shape.

Related Resources

FAQs

How big does Pussy Willow get?
Pussy Willow can mature around 10 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning. Regular pruning can keep it smaller and fuller.
When does Pussy Willow bloom?
Pussy Willow produces its soft silver catkins in late winter to early spring, often before leaves appear. The stems are popular for seasonal cut arrangements.
Where should I plant Pussy Willow?
Plant Pussy Willow in a sunny to partly shaded spot with consistent moisture and plenty of room. It is especially useful in rain gardens, pond edges, moist borders, and naturalized areas.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Thrives
Partial Shade
Seasonal

Mature Height	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	10-20 ft
Growth Rate	Fast
Botanical Name	Salix discolor
Bloom Time	Early Spring
Deer Resistant	No
Family	Salicaceae
Flower Color	Non Flowering
Hardiness Zones	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#7 Container

Map of the United States with all states filled in green, showing a uniform green fill across the country.

Growing Zones 3-8 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -40)

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Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low