Pussy Willow

Pussy Willow: Salix sp.

The soft catkins of pussy willow appear before the leaves, often as early as mid-February. The ´sallows´ or bush willows are a difficult group, with several very similar species which also hybridise with each other. This willow is probably Salix caprea, otherwise known as Goat willow. 24 Feb 2000. The photo shows the male catkins after they have opened to reveal the yellow pollen.