#pussy willows

[flowerishness]

Salix discolor (American pussy willow)

The catkins of this pussy willow (Salix discolor) is another sure sign of early spring and they're the only flower I can think of that wears a fur coat. Pussy willows use these silky fibers as insulation to keep their catkins protected in late winter. This species is native to North America in a wide band that runs, coast-to-coast, through southern Canada and the northern lower United States.

Plants know when to flower by measuring the air temperature and the length of day. A brief warm period in the winter will not be enough for pussy willows- they need longer days too. Then, when the timing is perfect - boom they bloom!

As with so many spring flowering trees, willows produce flowers before they leaf-out. Male and female catkins grow on different plants. The appearance of yellow anthers indicates that this one is a boy and it's just about to start producing pollen. Willows are insect-pollinated and this means that hungry worker bees will soon wake up and these pussy willows will immediately get their full attention.

[seasonalwonderment]

~ Pussy Willow Identification Guide ~

[samirafee]

#BLOOMING PUSSY WILLOWS💛🤎

@samirafee

[chasingrainbowsforever]

~ Spruce Green ~

[sumbluespruce]

Willow catkins before sunrise

5/13/23  Absaroka Range 

[natureisthegreatestartist]

It's pussy willow time!

[heather-rajendran]

Goat willow (Salix caprea) photos I took today 24/03/2024, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK

[tinyshe]

[bevanne46]

[seasonarium]

[fraryguitar]

Pussy Willows in the Columbia River | Camas, Washington

[flowerishness]

Salix

Pussy willows in the rain.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

[samirafee]

#PUSSY WILLOWS🤍🤎🤍

@samirafee

[chasingrainbowsforever]

~ Yellow and Gray ~

[sumbluespruce]

Suns early light

5/13/23