Weeping Pussy Willow
Weeping Pussy Willow is a fun, adorable tree with furry silver catkins in early spring that are as soft as a kitten. This small but fast-growing ornamental tree is a must-have for gardens with small children. The little ones will love petting the fuzzy catkins as well as hiding under the canopy in the tiny “fort” that will appear if you let the branches grow to the ground. The young-at-heart can’t help but get a kick out of this tree, too. Plant it near your porch or patio, where it will be easy to admire—and cuddle!
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Spacing: 5-7'
- Exposure: Sun/Part Shade
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The Story
This Pussy Willow is known as “Goat Willow” in regions where it is native, which includes an area from the U.K. to Central Asia. Its species name, caprea, also means “goat” in Latin. “Goat Willow” doesn’t seem as appealing as a plant that brings to mind fluffy kittens, but don’t soft and snuggly cashmere sweaters come from goats? Maybe the plant should be renamed “Cashmere Willow.” This weeping form was found in the town of Kilmarnock, Scotland around 1853. Because of that fact, it is sometimes referred to as “Kilmarnock Willow.”
The Details
This cat is crying to go home with you! Soft and silky buds of the old time favorite are now available in a weeping Tree Form. Welcome each spring early in your home with this "cute and cuddly" Pussy Willow.
How to Grow
The Weeping Pussy Willow is trained to grow upright and forms an umbrella-shaped canopy, which provides the coolest spring show when it’s covered with fuzzy catkins. If left alone, this weeper can also grow as a ground cover or low shrub. This special tree is simple to grow and likes full sun but will also do well in partial shade. The Weeping Pussy Willow is a fast grower that does well in moist, but not wet, soil. They have their share of pest problems, but none of them are serious enough to cause major concern. Whatever pest they may have, your tree will outgrow them all. During the fall months, apply a medium rate fertilizer. This application only needs to be done once a year. When it comes to pruning, a common mistake is that it is not pruned enough. If the weeping branches are left alone, they will “weep” all the way down and continue to grow and root along the ground. Whenever you need to prune the bottom of the “skirt” on your Weeping Pussy Willow – feel free. But when pruning branches higher up on the canopy – resist the urge to do so after July 4th. The catkins start to form around that time, so if you prune, you will prune off those buds and your tree will not have as many fuzzy catkins for the following spring.
More Info
Size Guide
Scale
Size A
This graphic shows the approximate size and form of the Tree you are viewing.
Size A Trees:
4' tall. Grown in our #5 tree container. Staked to 4' and then allowed to weep. Branches from ground up. Bower & Branch intentionally thins out branching for most appealing look.
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