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Japanese Pussy Willow Salix chaenomeloides

Phonetic Spelling
SAL-iks ky-nom-ay-LOY-deez
Description

Most showy pussy willow. Wonderfully large (to 3") silvery-pink catkins from glossy red buds beginning in late winter.  Great cut as decorations. Its vigorous growth allows for plenty of early cutting. Withstands heavy pruning.

More information on Salix.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#cutting garden#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#viceroy butterflies#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#cutting garden#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#viceroy butterflies#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Salix
    Species:
    chaenomeloides
    Family:
    Salicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    North & Eastern China to Southern Korea, Central & S. Japan
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) larvae which has two to three broods from May-September. Adult butterflies feed on decaying matter, aphid honeydew, and nectar from composite flowers.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Withstands heavy pruning
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Pink
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Catkin
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Large, rounded red flower buds; 1 to 3 in. male catkins, silky silver with pink to rose tinge
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, simple dark blue-green leaves 2 to 5 inches long
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators