Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

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Salix chaenomeloides

Also Known As

Giant Pussy Willow
Giant Pussywillow
Japanese Pussy Willow

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 15'-20'
W: 20'

planting zones

5a-8b

More Options

Salix chaenomeloides plant details

Salix chaenomeloides is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring and winter pink and silver flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salix chaenomeloides

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 FT wide, 15 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and silver blooms in spring and winter
Uses: cutting garden, dried-arrangements, ornamental

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salix chaenomeloides

USDA Zones: 5a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

No plant heralds in the spring season better than the Pussy Willow with its young catkins that emerge on the first warm days. These plants are some of the earliest pollen and nectar sources for our pollinating insects and help them regain their strength after the long winter months. Native to temperate Asia, Pussy Willows are easily managed shrubs for border areas in the garden landscape. Once flowering is complete, plants can be pruned to the desired size and shape without disrupting the next season's bloom. The Giant White Pussy Willow (Salix chaenomeloides) has large white catkins that are almost the size of a small rabbit's foot.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

Wonderfully large (to 3") silvery-pink catkins from glossy red buds make delightful "I' m-ready-for-spring-but-it's-still-winter!" decorations; its vigorous growth (to 12') allows for plenty of early cutting. Sun/Med-Wet

By: Forestfarm

Japanese Giant Pussy Willow. Among the largest in the genus, these silken haired pussies are imbued with a hint of dark violet and beg to be petted if not nuzzled. This sturdy plant eventually reaches 20' and owns early spring with its profuse display.