(American) Pussy Willow and Bebb’s Willow (S. bebbiana) are the two most common and widespread native shrub willows in our region. Growing to the size of a small tree (4 to 5 meters), Pussy Willow is the first willow to bud and then flower. Although the twigs of our native species are cut in early spring and brought inside for their decorative grey, wooly buds, it is the European Pussy Willow (S. caprea) that sports the larger buds sold commercially.
Pussy Willow’s most distinctive characteristic, making it relative easy to identify, is its large, elliptic leaf, dark green above and glaucous (blueish-white) below, with lateral, raised veins curving toward the apex.
Selected photographs with coordinates in iNaturalist:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19837509 – Leaves, Ottawa Greenbelt.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33194808 – Leaves, at Petrie Island.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/6157929 – Flowers, at Parkwood Hills.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/37088822 – Mature flowers, near Alexandria.
