Description
A plant relative of crucial ecological importance, pussy willow offers some of the first flowers of springtime. The pollen is especially sought after by many species of native bees emerging with the thaw. Furthermore, plants of the Salix genus host 289 species of moth and butterfly caterpillars, the third highest of plant genera native to this region.
Excellent for weaving and basketry, this fast-growing relative also responds well to pruning and can be used to make lots of mulch for your garden. The inner bark contains a medicinal compound that is used by many Indigenous nations for pain relief, and is where aspirin was first derived from.
This plant wants full sun and moist to wet soil. If you have drier soil conditions, you can dig a small pit where more water will collect. Grows to about 20′ tall. Simply stick the cuttings (kept moist) deep into the soil, and water frequently.
