Close up of Audubon Native Pussy Willow branch, small fuzzy yellow buds emerging on a dark yellow branch, surrounded by pictures of birds
Close up of Audubon Native Pussy Willow branch, small fuzzy yellow buds emerging on a dark yellow branch
Map of American Counties where Audubon Native Pussy Willow is native to
Picture of a Yellow Throated Warbler
Picture of an American Goldfinch
Close up of Audubon Native Pussy Willow branch, small fuzzy yellow buds emerging on a dark yellow branch, surrounded by pictures of birds
Close up of Audubon Native Pussy Willow branch, small fuzzy yellow buds emerging on a dark yellow branch
Map of American Counties where Audubon Native Pussy Willow is native to
Picture of a Yellow Throated Warbler
Picture of an American Goldfinch

Audubon® Native Pussy Willow

Bower & Branch Trees and Plants

Audubon® Plants for Birds: Salix discolor

Regular price
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This plant is not available at this time through Bower & Branch. We provide this plant profile for reference only. 

See below for alternative selections for purchase and inspiration!

FLUFFY SOFT TUFTS MAKE BEAUTIFUL ARTIST DISPLAY INSIDE OR OUT 

FEATURES:

May Benefit & Attract: Chickadees, Goldfinches, Eastern Phoebes, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Yellow Warblers.

  • One of the earliest spring plants, serves as an important early food for bees
  • Catkins produce copious amounts of pollen which attracts many types of insects, birds and other pollinators
  • Bright green foliage lasts spring through summer before turning yellow in fall
  • Perfect for cuttings to use in vases in your home, or as tall accents in flower planters
  • Attracts hummingbirds who use the soft fluff of the tufts to line their nests 
  • Host plant for up to 18 varieties of butterflies
  • Grows best in poor drainage spots in yards or alongside bodies of water 
  • This bird-friendly native plant provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
  • All Audubon® branded trees and plants are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these trees safer for the birds and safer for the environment
  • The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow
  • Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
  • Due to federal and state laws, we are unable to ship to: AL, AR, MS
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Growth Facts

  • Hardiness Zone: 4-8
  • Mature Height: 6-8' tall
  • Mature Width: 4-5' wide
  • Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
  • Spacing: 4-5' apart

Why plant Audubon® Native Pussy Willow?

The Audubon® Native Pussy Willow is a wonderful native shrub or tree that is highly beneficial to our native landscapes! In early spring, the fuzzy catkins emerge - often times as the first welcoming sign that spring has arrived. These catkins are covered in highly desired pollen and nectar that serve as a key food source for bees, birds and other insects. Of course, where you've got little insects, you'll attract a wide range of songbirds for their meal! As the catkins fades, bright green foliage emerges and remains throughout summer before turning a dusky yellow in fall. In season, the Native Pussy Willow serves as the host plants for hundreds of different varieties of moths, butterflies and other insects. As your Pussy Willow matures, the branching forms a thicket which provides much needed shelter and nesting locations for Goldfinches, Yellow Warblers, and more. Do your native landscape a favor and add this beautiful harbinger of spring to your landscape!

How to use Audubon® Native Pussy Willow in the landscape?

The Audubon® Native Pussy Willow is an excellent option for low, poor draining areas in yards, as well as traditional plantings around ponds and in marshes. They are highly beneficial when added to native landscapes, pollinator gardens or even butterfly gardens!

Planting Zones

Hardiness Zone: 4-8

How To Plant Audubon® Native Pussy Willow

The Audubon® Native Pussy Willow performs best in locations that offer full sun, but it can do will in locations with part shade. They like moist, rich, soil types but can tolerate other types of soil as well. They do tolerate soils with poor drainage but perform better in well-draining soils that are kept consistently moist.

How To Water

The Audubon® Native Pussy Willow - like all Willow varieties - are known for being rather thirsty. Thriving alongside streams in the wild, you will want to ensure that your shrub is getting the water it needs to survive. Keeping the soil constantly moist will be your best option. You can achieve this by watering every two to three days, and increasing the amount you apply during periods of drought.

How To Fertilize

Are you curious about the feeding of your Native Pussy Willow? No need to worry we have you covered! We recommend a nice fertilizer application twice a year. Once in spring before the push of new growth then again in the fall just before dormancy to ensure that your shrub is obtaining the right amount of nutrients all year long.

How To Prune

The best time to prune your Audubon® Native Pussy Willow is in late winter to early spring, before the catkins begin to swell! You could prune your Pussy Willow into a more 'tree like' structure but remove lower branches and exposing the trunk as it ages.


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