Native Pussy Willow
Native Pussy Willow
A Minnesota-Native Shrub With Silvery Spring Catkins
Native Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) is the beloved Minnesota-native shrub that signals spring with its soft, silvery catkins — the classic "pussy willows" prized for early bouquets and as one of the very first nectar and pollen sources for emerging native bees. Fast-growing and adaptable, it thrives in wet soils where many shrubs fail. A wildlife-supporting native for rain gardens, pond edges, and naturalized wet spots in Woodbury, Maple Grove, and Shoreview.
Native Pussy Willow Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Salix discolor |
| Mature Size | 6–15 ft. tall, 4–12 ft. wide (prune to control size) |
| Hardiness Zone | 2–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | Very early spring (silvery catkins) |
| Flower Color | Silvery-gray catkins |
| Soil | Moist to wet; thrives in rain gardens, wet meadows, and pond edges |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable well below -30°F — a tough native |
| Deer Resistance | Usually avoided by deer |
| Native Status | Minnesota native |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Wet sites and rain gardens: One of the best shrubs for soggy ground — plant it where water collects, along ponds, or in rain gardens. Space 5–8 feet apart.
Early pollinator support and cut branches: Its catkins are a crucial first food for native bees, and the branches are wonderful for spring arrangements. Pair with red twig dogwood and native wetland plants.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into moist to wet soil. Keep consistently moist.
How to Plant Native Pussy Willow
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water heavily, and mulch 2–3 inches deep. Space 5–8 feet apart. It tolerates standing-wet sites well.
Watering Native Pussy Willow
First year: Keep the soil consistently moist to wet — water every 1–2 days in dry weather.
After year one: Provide steady moisture; in naturally wet sites rainfall suffices. It is not a plant for dry soil.
Q: Is it native to Minnesota?
Yes — pussy willow is a true Minnesota native and one of the earliest, most important spring food sources for native bees.
Q: Can I cut branches for bouquets?
Absolutely — cut the catkin branches in early spring; pruning also helps keep the shrub a manageable size.
Q: Does it need wet soil?
It strongly prefers moist to wet ground and excels in rain gardens; it will struggle in hot, dry sites.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — a tough native hardy well below Twin Cities lows.
You May Also Like
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus): A native shrub for moist sites with red winter stems.
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis): A native fern for wet ground.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium): A native pollinator perennial for rain gardens.