In spite of their rather unfortunate name, I just love Pussy Willows. My grandmother had a huge one in her front yard when I was a kid, and the fluffy blooms are so unusual and so soft. I’ve been keeping an eye out for one of my own, and I finally found them at Trader Joe’s of all places. I’m afraid our hot NC summer will probably kill it, but I have to at least try to grow one. I didn’t know that the fuzzy catkins burst into yellow blooms shortly after emerging. It’s like slow motion fireworks!
I adore them.
As a youngster before I was allowed a pet I used to keep one of the buds in my pocket and pretend it was a mouse :/
[ Becky at life/style/flash. blog]
That is the cutest thing I have ever heard! :)
i have to agree..pretty much the cutest thing ever
that is a quite an unfortunate name, yes, but they sure are lovely. wen spring arrives, I will fill my creative space with them!
i grew up in coastal NC and fondly remember playing with them…so here’s hoping they survive the summer for you! :)
I loved these so much as a kid..
Such a beautiful plant, I wish we had those!
xoxo, Jjanga
http://www.sayhelloandsmile.blogspot.com
I love this fluffy little things, too! But I am glad I can use their german name “Weidenkätzchen”, which would be ‘willow kitten’ or -more botanical- ‘willow catkin’ :)
We have new pussy willows in our home every year for Chinese New Year. Its sort of a tradition as its considered a new year plant for chinese. Now, they’ve got all sorts of colors like red, yellow, torquise, green!! To keep it alive, just cut the stem and keep it in water. it will maintain the fluffy buds fluffy. :)
Your photos are amazing. Thank you for sharing!
March in MI and with this warmer than usual winter they are starting to pop, cmom spring!!
LOL Laughed when I read your first sentence. Reminded me of why my Mom would never buy a Dirt Devil vacuum.
Pussy willows are nostalgic for me, too. I love them so much that I’m using them as a central theme in my wedding!