Plant paradise: Pussy willows don’t wilt easily

Pink pussy willows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are called pinku-neko-yanagi which means ” pink-pussy-willow”. Salix gracilistyla

Pussy willow is a name given to many of the smaller species of the genus Salix (willows and sallows) when their furry catkins are young in early spring.

Before the male catkins come into full flower they are covered in fine, greyish fur, resembling pussy cats – hence the name pussy willow.

The catkins emerge way before the leaves, and are one of the earliest signs of spring.