Pussy Willow

Salix discolor · Salicaceae (Willow family)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Pussy Willow

Leaf Morphology

Leaf Type

Simple, deciduous

Shape

Oblanceolate to elliptic, unlobed

Margin

Serrate

Arrangement

Alternate with short petioles

Venation

Pinnate with prominent, pale, raised secondary veins

Key Features

Alternate, elliptic leaves with finely serrate margins and conspicuous, pale raised venation on the lower surface

Description

Large shrub or small tree growing up to twenty feet tall, featuring smooth reddish-brown bark and prominent soft silver catkins appearing in early spring before the leaves

Habitat

Wetlands, stream banks, marshes, and moist lowlands in full sun to partial shade

Native Range

Native to northern and eastern North America

Identified on 10/14/2026