Saturday, April 1, 2017

Black Pussy Willow




Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys'

At our last meeting, we were invited to bring in a sample of a bloom, branch, or plant from our gardens. Michael brought a number of specimens blooming in her garden, including black pussy willow. She invited us to take a twig to propagate for our own gardens. There was a lot of interest in this uncommon shrub and she may bring more to the next meeting and also to the plant sale on Sunday, May 7, at the Cranberry Curling Club. Here’s some information about the black pussy willow.

Deciduous shrub that grows up to 10 feet high and 10 feet wide. As with all willows, it is safer not to plant near water lines or septic field.

Prefers full sun and moist but not soggy soil and is tolerant of moderate road salt and pollution.

Michael recommends pruning it hard after it is established (couple of years). She prunes hard by cutting back every other stem to almost ground level. Prune early in winter before the catkins form.

It is dioecious: each shrub is either male or female. The male catkins are more impressive but Michael isn’t sure if hers are male or female. The catkins appear in March and April, then become lighter as they mature.

And: It may be a plant that deer don't eat.

So don’t forget to bring samples of what’s blooming in your garden to the next meeting. We all may learn about plants we weren’t aware of before.

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