Pussy willow is the name given to smaller species in the Salix genus when the furry catkins appear in early spring. The North American native plant Salix discolor, a deciduous shrub, is the most common species.
The furry catkins of pussy willows are one of spring’s earliest harbingers. You can see them right now behind Building 64 in our Rushmore neighborhood.
Pussy willows grow quite fast and will spread quickly. Simply sticking a pussy willow branch into the soil will produce a fully developed adult plant in a matter of weeks. You will need to protect them from deer.
