Toxic Plant Inconnu - Generally non-toxic. Contains salicin (similar to aspirin), so pets should not consume large quantities.
Image of Salix discolor
Source: OWSL

Plant Names

image of Arbre feuillu
Salix discolor
Pussy Willow
Saule discolore

Synonyms

American pussy willow
glaucous willow
large pussy willow
lowland pussy willow
chatons
saule p'tits-minous

Plant Characteristics

Couleur de floraison: Blanc Bloom Period: Apr - May
Hauteur max: 15,0 feet
Max Width: 12,0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full sun Plus de 6 heures d'ensoleillement par jour
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Full shade Less than 2 or 3 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Vivace des plantes qui reviennent année après année Plant is dioecious Need a male and female plant to produce seeds
Gardener Experience:
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
wetland garden Souhaitable dans les jardins de zone humide
shoreline_rehab Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
school garden Suitable for school gardens
woodland garden Suitable for woodland gardens
hedge Can be used as a hedge
Ecological Benefits:
butterfly host Butterfly host
bee host Bee host
keystones species Keystone species
Tolerates:
Salt Tolerant Tolerates salt conditions
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Sand Tolerant Tolerates sandy conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
Nous acceptions les semences de cette plante

Faits intéressants

Pussy willow is a fast-growing native shrub best known for its soft, silvery catkins that appear in very early spring. One of the earliest and most valuable native plants for pollinators. Its pollen and nectar support emerging queen bumble bees, mining bees, mason bees, sweat bees, hoverflies, and many other insects. Birds nest in the dense branches, while beavers and rabbits browse the twigs. It is fast growing and you can prune it every few years to encourage vigorous new stems.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Oui

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Salix discolor
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Taïga des plaines
  • Maritime de l'Atlantique
  • Taïga du Bouclier
  • Plaines boréales
  • Cordillière montagnarde
  • Prairies
  • Plaines hudsoniennes
  • Bouclier boréal
  • Cordillière boréale
  • Maritime du Pacifique
  • Plaines à forêts mixtes

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Salix discolor

Specialized Bees Supported by Salix discolor

  • Andrena bisalicis
  • Andrena clarkella
  • Andrena erythrogaster
  • Andrena frigida
  • Andrena mariae
  • Andrena sigmundi
  • Andrena wellesleyana
  • Megachile pugnata
  • Protandrena andrenoides

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Forsythieae (Forsythia)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Surface sow
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: 0 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Can be sown in late spring in warm soil.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: May
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Seeds have become fluffy and can be easily removed by shaking on gently pulling off from stem
  • Harvesting:
    • Secouer le porte-graines dans un sac de papier
  • Seed viability test:
    • Pas de test requis avant le don
  • Packaging measure: Six (6) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage:
    • Sécher à l'air dans un sac en papier ou contenant ouvert, pour quelques jours jusqu'à sec
    • Secouer de temps à autre pour prévenir la moisissure
  • Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Generally non-toxic. Contains salicin (similar to aspirin), so pets should not consume large quantities.