Pussy Willows

Salix caprea, known as goat willow, pussy willow, katjes or great sallow is a common species of willow native to Europe and western and central Asia.

Easy-to-grow pussy willows are happy in average to wet soils. Salix discolor can thrive in full sun to part shade, although less light means the plants won’t produce as many fuzzy catkins. Because pussy willows like moisture, they’re a good choice for planting near a pond, lake or stream; in a rain garden; or to help control soil erosion. Because the catkins appear so early, they’re considered one of the first signs of spring. 

Pussy willow plants can be male or female. Male plants produce the most ornamental catkins, which may be white, silvery-gray or yellowish. Female pussy willows have smaller, less showy catkins.

Many gardeners don’t bother to buy pussy willows since they’re so easy to root from cuttings. Start by making a cutting 12 inches long, about the diameter of a pencil, in early spring. Make the cut on an angle.

Root the cutting in water or directly in moist soil. To root in water, simply drop the cut end into a glass of clean water. Roots should form in a few weeks. Refill the glass with more water as it evaporates.