One of PEI’s first botanical signs of spring are Pussy Willows ( Salix  spp.). We have more than a dozen different Willows on the Island, but only one – Salix discolor  – officially has the common name ‘Pussy Willow’. Willows are notoriously difficult to tell apart, but don’t worry: all our species are commonly called Pussy Willows this time of year so, right now, you can’t go wrong!     Those soft, fuzzy balls are the male flower buds, called catkins. (Female catkins are sim