In late March/early April, Pussy willows push out silky gray-white catkins on mahogany-colored branches. Pussy willows are a type of willow (Salix), all of which grow fast and have separate male & female trees.
The Pussywillow does not have a typical flower; the silvery hairs insulate the female part (pistil) and the male part (stamen) against the cold spring air. And the first Pussy willow “flower” is probably from a male tree, since the female trees are always late bloomers.
Pussy willows are a good plant to have in your yard because they provide nectar, pollen, and food for native butterflies and bees. Early spring pollinators (such as Mason and bumble bees) feast on Pussy willow’s little furry flowers because of their nectar’s high sugar content.
Mark (my husband) recently planted a Pussy willow in our front yard for me. I have always loved the furry flowers that resemble a little rabbit’s nose or a kitten’s paw. He mixed VITAL Blend soil amendment in with the backfill while planting the shrubby tree. VITAL Blend is a combination of activated BioChar and freshwater-sourced Humate that has been shown to help newly planted trees withstand transplant shock better. The humate kickstarts the growth of soil microbes around the roots, and the biochar helps provide stable living spaces for the growing microbe communities. Soil microbes found in the rhizosphere (root area) promote plant growth by making nutrients available to the plant and inhibit fungal pathogens.
Effective at Preventing Erosion
A resourceful site for planting native Willow trees and their relatives would be on a hill or along a stream bank. Willows, including Pussy willows, have deep spreading roots that hold soil in place and are effective at preventing erosion. The activated biochar in our VITAL Blend soil amendment is also very good at reducing soil erosion. Biochar improves erosion control because it changes the soil’s characteristics (aggregates) and increases its microbial activity.
For healthier soil and healthier plants – start with our VITAL Blend because the Beauty Above comes from the Science Below. Please Call or email us for more information regarding our soil amendments today.
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