Species PlantsPussy Willow

Pussy Willow

Salix discolor

CommonPlant
Illustration of Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)

Pussy Willow is one of the first woody plants to show signs of spring, producing silky silver catkins (the 'pussies') in February and March while snow still covers the ground. It grows in wet habitats across northern North America and is one of the most important early-season pollen sources for queen bumblebees and other native bees emerging from hibernation.

Habitat
Wet thickets, stream banks, and pond margins across northern North America
Diet
Catkins provide critical early pollen for queen bumblebees and native bees
How common
Common

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