Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Salix chaenomeloides - Giant Pussy Willow - Japanese Pussy Willow

General Information
Common Name 
Giant Pussy Willow, Japanese Pussy Willow
Scientific Name 
Salix chaenomeloides
Sun Tolerance 
Height 
4 - 10 m (13-33 ft)
Spread 
2 -6 m (7 - 20 ft)
Growth Rate 
Bloom Time 
Spring
Color 
Flower Color 
Type 
Native 
Asia.
Classification
Kingdom 
Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom 
Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision
Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division 
Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class 
Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass 
Dilleniidae
Order 
Salicales
Family 
Salicaceae – Willow family
Genus 
Salix L. – Willow
Species 
S. chaenomeloides

Salix chaenomeloides - Giant Pussy Willow
Salix chaenomeloides commonly known as Giant Pussy Willow also known as Japanese Pussy Willow. It is native to Japan, Korea and China. This is a deciduous, ornamental willow that grown for its large dusky-pink or white catkins. It is easy to see how these catkins raise the bar for flower arrangements. It blooms in spring. It is a large shrub that grown 4-10 m (13-33 ft) in height; light brown new growth; attractive large oblong leaves which start reddish and become yellow-green when larger; vigorous growth habit, with long spreading branches, becoming as wide as it is tall. S. chaenomeloides, biggest show is the bright red-mahogany covering that protects the pussies before they emerge.  These bud-scales' combination of size and color is unique in willows, and make the shrub one of the joys of Fall and Winter. Naturally it’s grows near the banks of the rivers.
These plants are some of the earliest pollen and nectar sources for our pollinating insects and help them regain their strength after the long winter months. Pussy Willows are easily managed shrubs for border areas in the garden landscape. Once flowering is complete, plants can be pruned to the desired size and shape without disrupting the next season's bloom.


Salix chaenomeloides - Giant Pussy Willow Leaves

Giant Pussy Willow Leaves in Fall

Salix chaenomeloides - Giant Pussy Willow Catkins

Giant Pussy Willow Flowers

Salix chaenomeloides - Giant Pussy Willow Flowers

Salix chaenomeloides - Giant Pussy Willow Full Bloom

Giant Pussy Willow Buds

Salix chaenomeloides Flowers

Giant Pussy Willow in Garden

Salix chaenomeloides - Giant Pussy Willow in Wild

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