Pussy Willows

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 similar but smaller, usually appear a bit later, and are on separate plants from the male catkins). The kitten-like fur traps air warmed by the early spring sun and moisture from wet snow, rain, fog, or dew. This helps protect the catkins from freezing or drying out. Willows are thus able to get a jump-start on other flowering plants, taking advantage of the lack of competition for both sunlight and pollinators. 

Willows play a major role in supporting early-season pollinators. Very soon, these male catkins will be producing tons of high-protein pollen and sweet nectar, just in time for hungry insects including bees and flower flies. Different species of Willow flower at different times, providing pollinators with a reliable source of food from April through early June. 

Bees and flies aren’t Willow’s only beneficiaries. It’s common to see Willow flowers swarming with flies on a warm spring day, and those insects attract insect-eaters. At my place, Chickadees, Song Sparrows, and Savannah Sparrows, in particular, flock to the local Willows to feast in early spring. 

We often notice Willows in spring, but they play important ecological roles year-round. Along waterways, in particular, Willows stabilize streambanks, filter runoff, protect upland areas from flooding, shade and cool the water, and drop insects and debris that are food for aquatic organisms (including the Stoneflies we looked at in March). 

Finally, in addition to being important to wildlife and habitat, Willows are among our most well-known medicinal plants. Willow bark contains salicin, which has been used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation for thousands of years. Willow’s active ingredient was identified in the early 1800s, and lead directly to the creation of acetylsalicylic acid, better known as Aspirin. 

Now that you’re sold on the benefits of Willows, you may want to add some to your local landscape. Good news! Willows are ridiculously easy to grow and do well from cuttings. They’re valuable, though often underappreciated, members of PEI Untamed!