| Common Name | Pussy willow |
| Botanical Name | Salix spp. |
| Mature Size | 6–25 ft. tall, 4–15 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full, partial |
| Soil Type | Loamy |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | White |
| Care | In native habitat, pussy willows are wetland plants. They will need plenty of water and are therefore a good choice for any poorly draining locations in your yard. All willows have invasive roots, so plant them far away from septic tank fields, sewer lines, and water lines. Pussy willows can be kept more compact and shrub-like through proper pruning. |
| Soil | This plant likes loamy, moist, rich soil. It wants to be kept wet. It will tolerate poorly-drained soil, but performance is best if the soil is well-drained but kept constantly moist. |
| Water | These plants love moisture. They thrive along banks of streams in the wild and are useful for controlling soil erosion. You will need to ensure they have plenty of water and are not subjected to drought conditions. In dense, water-retentive soil, about 1 inch of rain/irrigation per week is usually sufficient, but in porous soil, your pussy willow may require more frequent watering. The goal is to keep the soil constantly damp. |
| Temperature and Humidity | Pussy willows grow best in temperate conditions with cold winters, as is typical in the Northern United States and Canada (zones 4 and 5) They grow slower in warmer climates (zones 6 to 8). Pussy willows readily tolerate high humidity. |
| Fertilizer | Pussy willows can do well when fed with just compost or leaf mold. You can fertilize them once in the fall with a balanced fertilizer after the plant is more than one year old. Use 1/2 pound of fertilizer for every 1/2 inch of base-trunk diameter, spread 18 inches beyond the drip line of the branches. Don't let the fertilizer come into contact with the trunk of the plant. |
| Pruning | Pruning promotes new branches that have plenty of room to grow without touching each other and results in larger catkins. The goal is to increase the size of the shrubs laterally while restricting their upward growth. Pruning also helps prevent disease, fungus, and insect problems. |
| Overwintering | No special overwintering techniques are required for this plant, though it is recommended to make sure the plant is kept well-watered in late fall until the ground freezes hard. |
| Source | https://www.thespruce.com/planting-pussy-willow-trees-for-spring-2130899 |