Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys'

Also Known As

Salix gracilistyla var. m.
Salix gracilistyla var. melanostachys
Salix melanostachys
Black Pussy Willow
Melanostachys Pussy Willow

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 10'
W: 12'

planting zones

4a-8b

More Options

Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys' plant details

Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys' is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with blue and green foliage. In spring and winter purple, red and yellow flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 12 FT wide, 10 FT tall
Flowers: purple, red and yellow blooms in spring and winter
Uses: native plant, screen

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys'

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An attractive and unusual shrub noted especially for its catkins in spring which are black with red anthers; glossy dark green leaves. S/M-W

By: Forestfarm

Deep purplish-black fuzzy catkins with red anthers emerge in March and April before leaves unfurl, and are lovely by themselves in a tall dry stoneware vase. Consider cutting the plant back hard every 3-4 years to promote new, vigorous, thicker growth, making more apparent the purplish-black stems in winter. Leaves are 5" long, toothed, green above, silver below. 6-10' tall and rounded. This is one deep, dark, and handsome plant. Minimum temperature: -20?F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

The black pussy willow is a fast growing shrub that will tolerate areas that are too wet for other trees to grow. It is prized for its black catkins on dark stems that make elegant bouquets. The dark stems add color to an otherwise drab winter landscape.

By: Maples N More Nursery

Black pussy willow with both male and female catkins appearing in early spring before the leaves appear on stems that have turned purple-black in winter. The male catkins are fatter and showier, also a deep purple-black with red anthers slowly turning yellow with pollen. The dark green leaves are attractive, to 4" long with fine teeth and silver-green undersides. Deciduous shrubs, multi-stemmed to 6-10 ft tall and wide, these like well-drained soil, damp to wet, in full sun to part shade. Can be cut back hard to refresh every 3-4 years. Frost hardy to -20 °F, USDA zone 5

By: Cistus Nursery

Black Pussy Willow. Black catkins with red anthers. Glossy green leaves. To zone 5. Sun.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

A slow growing (in a fast genus) Pussy Willow with a rounded form and showy black catkins in spring. Highly ornamental. Tolerates a wide range of soil types and can be pruned to control size. Often blooms (displays it catkins) before the snow melts when the effect is dazzling. Jet-black catkins with red-orange anthers puts it in a class by itself. The dwarf form of the species (which is 23' feet tall).

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

An upright shrub with arching shoots, 10' x 12'. Oval and finely toothed 4" leaves emerge silky and turn gray-green. In mid spring male catkins emerge dark purple-black with brick red anthers.