Pussy Willow

Salix discolor
Salicaceae
Salix discolor leaves JB
Salix discolor bark JB
Salix discolor flower JB
Multi-trunked tree that can sprout from broken branches. Branches with male flowers used in winter decorations. Prefers wetland soils and tolerates permanent flooding. Useful for stream bank stabilization.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
NA
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for bees; buds, seeds food source for birds, squirrels; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Wind
Pollinator
Plant Hardiness Zones
4 to 8
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
328
Bloom Time
Spring (Feb-Mar)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Small (15-40 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Crown gall, sawfly
Urban Stress Tolerance
Medium: Tree can adapt to a few urban conditions and will generally grow well
Drought Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Rare
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Absent
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
White
Form
Tree
Shrub
Lifespan
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW: Facultative Wetland, usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

Similar Trees