Pussy Willow Plants: How to Grow Pussy Willow

A pussy willow is a shrub that belongs to the Salix genus and is known for its long branches that produce fuzzy, gray “catkins” which are flower clusters produced by willow shrubs. These catkins are dioecious, meaning they can be either male or female. Male catkins are gray and bloom in the early spring, while female catkins are smaller, green, and less furry.

These deciduous shrubs thrive in wetlands and moisture-rich areas, then shed their leaves in the winter. They can grow up to 36 feet tall if it is not pruned. Pussy willows are easy to propagate, making them a popular choice for home gardeners. Dried pussy willows are a popular form of low-maintenance decor in lieu of other plants that need to be watered.

There are many different types of pussy willow trees and shrubs. Here is an overview of some of the most common pussy willow varieties.

1. 1. American pussy willow (Salix discolor): Also known as the glaucous willow or the American willow, the American pussy willow is native in North America (USDA hardiness zones four to eight), and can grow up to 25 feet tall.
2. 2. Goat willow (Salix caprea): The goat willow, also known as the French pussy willow or European pussy willow, is a native plant to Europe and Asia and can grow up to 30 feet tall. This is one of the few species of pussy willow that grows easier from seed than from cuttings.
3. 3. Weeping willow (Salix babylonica): Weeping pussy willows can grow up to 50 feet tall, and are known for their signature “weeping” look. They are native to China.
4. 4. Yellow willow (Salix lutea): This species of willow shrub can grow over 20 feet tall. It’s native to North American and Canada and is used in certain areas to reduce soil erosion. It is also a popular food source for moose and beavers.
5. 5. Purple osier willow (Salix purpurea): Native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia, purple osier willows grow up to 15 feet tall and are a popular choice for property hedging.

Pussy willows grow best in moderate-to-cold temperatures, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 2–7. They produce the most catkins when they are in full sun. Plant pussy willows in the mid-spring after the threat of frost has passed, preferably in the morning when the weather is cooler. Depending on the climate and type, some pussy willows may bud as early as late winter.

You can grow pussy willows by directly sowing seeds into the ground, but the quickest way to grow them is to propagate cuttings from an existing pussy willow plant. Here is an overview of how to grow pussy willows with cuttings.

1. 1. Choose your planting site. Pussy willow root systems are invasive and can penetrate septic tanks, water lines, or building foundations, so you want to choose a place that is far enough from your house so that your roots don’t impede any underground infrastructure. Also, choose a spot with full sun to encourage the plant’s catkins to open.
2. 2. Prepare your soil. Pussy willows will grow in a variety of soil types, but they prefer moist and loamy well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.3.
3. 3. Obtain your cuttings. Select a healthy, straight brown branch that is at least 12 inches long from an existing pussy willow plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the branch.
4. 4. Propagate the cutting. Stick the willow branch directly into the soil about three to four inches deep. Alternatively, you can root the branches in water first and then transplant once the roots are over three inches long. Either method will work.
5. 5. Water regularly and provide sunlight. Pussy willows like wet soil and should get plenty of water when you’re establishing them. Water heavily once a week to ensure consistently moist soil, without overwatering the plant which may lead to root rot. Your pussy willow needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to yield the most catkins, but it will also tolerate partial shade.
6. 6. Mulch your soil. Mulching around the base of the pussy willow will help provide ground cover to keep your soil moist. Keep your organic material a few inches away from the center stem to discourage rot.
7. 7. Prune your branches regularly. Regularly pruning your pussy willow branches will prevent your shrub from becoming unruly. Remove any gray or dead branches, cutting away about a third of the plant. Every few years you should prune your willows down to the base to encourage healthy new growth.
8. 8. Check for pests and diseases. Pussy willows are susceptible to powdery mildew, cankers, leaf spots, aphids, caterpillars, and borers. Regular pruning and the occasional use of an organic pesticide can help manage most pussy willow infestations.

Pussy willows are popular additions to cut flower arrangements and they are simple to harvest. Simply remove a branch from your willow that is about two feet long right after the catkins have fully opened, then place them in a waterless vase to preserve them. You can also harvest a branch with catkins that haven’t bloomed yet and force them to bloom inside. Here is an overview of how to get a pussy willow to bloom inside.

1. 1. Cut your branches. Choose a two-foot-long pussy willow branch that hasn’t bloomed yet from a pussy willow shrub. The piece you choose should have swollen nodes to indicate where the new growth will be.
2. 2. Soak the branches. Stick the cut ends of your pussy willows in a vase of warm water.
3. 3. Cut your branches again. Cut another inch off the base of your stem while the pussy willow is submerged in water. Avoid letting air reach the base of the pussy willow branch.
4. 4. Wrap your branches. Leaving the pussy willow in the vase, wrap the rest of the exposed branches in a damp cloth or newspaper to prevent them from drying out. Keep the vase in a dark, cool place.
5. 5. Nurture your branches. After a few days, remove the stem coverings and place the vase in indirect sunlight. Keep the temperature at around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and mist your branches until the catkins appear.

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