Salix chaenomeloides - Giant Pussy or Japanese Pussy Willow

Native to the colder parts of Japan, Korea and China, this highly ornamental willow is grown for its large dusky-pink catkins. Large areas are needed for this willow or it can be coppiced for smaller areas. It is easy to see how these catkins raise the bar for flower arrangements.

Description: large shrub; 4-6m (12-20'); light brown new growth; attractive large oblong leaves which start reddish and become yellow-green when larger; vigorous growth habit, with long spreading branches, becoming as wide as it is tall

Conditions: full sun to part shade; natural habitat is river banks and sand bars; prune for utility

Coldest zone: Zone 5 or Zone 4 with protection (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

 

For some gorgeous spring pictures of S. 'Hutchinsons Yellow' with the enormous catkins of S. chaenomeloides, please visit our blog.

Comparison of willow stems and leaves

Lists of various willow uses