Pussy willows – those brave furry buds we all watch for – are a true promise that winter will finally take its leave. Indeed, pussy willows are one of the first plants to bloom in the north, starting their flowering as early as March with the first hints of spring warmth. After seeing some particularly fluffy pussy willow cuttings on display, I wondered how well willow varieties grow in the cold zones.
Fully 'open' willow catkins. Photo: Philip Schwarz Photography Blog
First, let me remind you that willows are actually a flowering shrub or small tree. The parts of plant that we consider 'pussy willows' are, writes Johnny Caryopsis at naturenorth.com, "in fact, the male flowering parts, or male catkins. The female catkins tend to develop and open a little later than the males, but they can form attractive pussy willows, too. And what, to us, is the most attractive stage in the pussy willow is actually very early on in the emergence of the catkin ... The willow flowers are fully "open" when the yellow pollen-bearing anthers are protruding and the stigmas are visible.
"Most plants that have catkins are wind-pollinated. That is, the pollen grains are simply released on the breeze and the plants count on chance to bring some of their pollen to rest on stigmas of their own species. Close relatives of the willows, the poplars (Populus spp.), all spread their pollen in this manner."
"Most plants that have catkins are wind-pollinated. That is, the pollen grains are simply released on the breeze and the plants count on chance to bring some of their pollen to rest on stigmas of their own species. Close relatives of the willows, the poplars (Populus spp.), all spread their pollen in this manner."
Does willow belong in your garden?
It depends on your space and taste, of course, but consider the attributes of this fast-growing, low maintenance shrub. Willow is easily propagated from cuttings, requires only moderate watering, little or no fertilizer, and offers interest throughout the seasons.
The varieties available to us are generally native to or developed from subspecies from northern Europe. Several varieties are hardy to Zone 3 or 4. Southern British Columbia's Bluestem Nursery – which lists over 50 varieties in its online catalogue – is a great place to learn more.
I'll highlight two varieties.
It depends on your space and taste, of course, but consider the attributes of this fast-growing, low maintenance shrub. Willow is easily propagated from cuttings, requires only moderate watering, little or no fertilizer, and offers interest throughout the seasons.
The varieties available to us are generally native to or developed from subspecies from northern Europe. Several varieties are hardy to Zone 3 or 4. Southern British Columbia's Bluestem Nursery – which lists over 50 varieties in its online catalogue – is a great place to learn more.
I'll highlight two varieties.
Salix caprea Photo: altervista.org
Salix caprea 'Select' is also known as French Pussy Willow, Pink Pussy Willow, Kilmarnock Willow, Goat's Willow or Great Sallow. It is reliably hardy to Zone 4, but can often be grown in Zone 3 with shelter.
As they note at Bluestem Nursery, Salix caprea "produces an abundance of nectar and pollen on its many fat catkins" which are very attractive to bees. As willows bloom early, they are an important food source for wild bees and honeybees as they begin to forage in spring. S. caprea is also one of the famous pussy willows used in the floral trade. This shrub can grow 10 to 15 feet and become quite bushy. As a landscape addition, it can be placed in the garden, grown as a large foundation anchor or serve as a solitary accent.
French Pussy Willow's cousin, Salix discolor, is the native willow we see in many areas of Canada. It is almost as showy and reliably hardy to Zone 2.
As they note at Bluestem Nursery, Salix caprea "produces an abundance of nectar and pollen on its many fat catkins" which are very attractive to bees. As willows bloom early, they are an important food source for wild bees and honeybees as they begin to forage in spring. S. caprea is also one of the famous pussy willows used in the floral trade. This shrub can grow 10 to 15 feet and become quite bushy. As a landscape addition, it can be placed in the garden, grown as a large foundation anchor or serve as a solitary accent.
French Pussy Willow's cousin, Salix discolor, is the native willow we see in many areas of Canada. It is almost as showy and reliably hardy to Zone 2.
S. triandra cut rods Photo: JPR Environmental, UK
Salix triandra 'Noir de Villane' intrigues me. The Bluestem Nursery listing describes it as a popular willow in Europe for basketry. Hardy to Zone 3, S. triandra can grow to 26 feet, but it is this willow's dark maroon new growth – which shoots out in 7 foot rods – that makes it so attractive for baskets, living willow structures or screens. Apparently this variety breaks dormancy later than other willows, but is also attractive to bees and butterflies. S.triandra thrives with regular deep watering.
What is coppicing?
The term 'coppicing' is associated with the commercial cultivation of willows, but it is a pruning technique that can be applied to willows in the home garden too. Coppicing is the practice of pruning right to ground level to force new shoots or rods to grow from the crown. Willows respond to this severe pruning with vigorous growth, producing rods of 4 to10 ft in a season. Coppiced willows are excellent as a screen.
In many areas of Canada, crafters have explored willow furniture making, but living structures – which are common in Britain and France – are another matter. Maybe we need to get more adventurous. Wouldn't you love to encourage a willow fence – called a 'fedge' – in your yard?
What is coppicing?
The term 'coppicing' is associated with the commercial cultivation of willows, but it is a pruning technique that can be applied to willows in the home garden too. Coppicing is the practice of pruning right to ground level to force new shoots or rods to grow from the crown. Willows respond to this severe pruning with vigorous growth, producing rods of 4 to10 ft in a season. Coppiced willows are excellent as a screen.
In many areas of Canada, crafters have explored willow furniture making, but living structures – which are common in Britain and France – are another matter. Maybe we need to get more adventurous. Wouldn't you love to encourage a willow fence – called a 'fedge' – in your yard?
Living willow fence
Photo: le Jardin des plantes du Mourot
Photo: le Jardin des plantes du Mourot
Want to learn more?
Visit Bluestem Nursery for the landscape uses of willow.
Visit JPR Environmental in Britain to see ideas for living willow fences, arbours, and sculpture.
Visit Bluestem Nursery for the landscape uses of willow.
Visit JPR Environmental in Britain to see ideas for living willow fences, arbours, and sculpture.
