On the one hand the flower buds of the Salix species and on the other hand the species themselves are referred to as willow catkins. They are attractive plants and set accents. Caring for them is easy, because willows are robust and undemanding. Those who have pets should exercise caution.

Pussy willows often inspire with their beautiful kittens when there is still snow outside

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. Cut pussy willow
  3. Plant pussy willows
  4. Propagating pussy willows
  5. claims and care
  6. use
  7. Problems with pussy willows
  8. species and varieties
  9. Are pussy willows poisonous?
  10. frequently asked Questions

    11. the essentials in brief

    • Pussy willows tolerate pruning. The pruning measures depend on whether the wood grows as a shrub or tree and forms hanging or upright shoots.
    • The shrubs can be planted in the garden and in tubs. Willows are propagated by cuttings. The Sal willow is an exception.
    • Salix species are undemanding and require little maintenance. They can be used in many ways in the garden. Diseases and pests are rare.
    • Various species such as gray willow, Nordic tree willow or sal willow are referred to as catkins. They are non-toxic to humans but dangerous to cats.

    Cut pussy willow properly

    What pruning measure your pasture needs and when you should cut it depends on the type and variety. The following pruning measures refer to the different varieties of Sal willow. Wait until the pussy willows have withered before pruning. You should not delay the measure for too long, because cutting is prohibited at certain times of the year.

    Cutting pussy willow forbidden?

    Wild pussy willows must not be cut

    Wild growing or domestic pussy willows are under nature protection. Like all trees, hedges, shrubs and shrubs, they fall under the protection of Section 39 (BNatschG). Accordingly, cutting the pussy willow is prohibited when birds are in the breeding season. This applies to both plants in the wild and trees planted in the garden. In order to protect the creatures, a statutory closed season was established. Between March 1st and September 30th, do not clip, perch, or completely remove your pussy willows.

    How to do it right:

    • in small amounts you may cut off branches of your shrubs
    • check beforehand whether birds or other animals breed in the hedge
    • gentle shape and care cuts to remove growth are permitted during the grace period

    Pussy willows provide an important food source in spring when other flowering plants are still dormant.

    hanging varieties

    Forms with overhanging shoots can be grown as standard or small trees. However, they do not reach great growth heights, but remain a small tree. Their shoots lengthen by about 30 centimeters a year. To encourage healthy growth, you should prune the branches just above the trunk each year after flowering.

    This radical cut does not bother the wood, because willows are known for their vigorous growth. The pruning measure ensures rejuvenation and supports vitality. Fresh shoots develop as early as summer.

    Thinning as an alternative to the radical cut:

    • Prune branches annually
    • remove hanging branches touching the ground
    • Cut out older shoots from the inside of the crown
    • Remove young shoots as soon as they become disturbing

    Thinning out ensures that not too much deadwood accumulates in the crown. Old twigs are quickly overtaken by regrowing shoots, so that the old wood dies off when there is a lack of light. This cutting measure creates a matted to wild appearance over time.

    Dwarf varieties

    Creeping or prostrate forms can be pruned or trimmed. The pruning promotes new shoots during the summer months. Cut back the shrub by a third or half. In order for the willow to retain its shape, another pruning of the fresh shoots is recommended in autumn. Light topiary can be done throughout the summer period.

    upright varieties

    Upright willows do not need to be cut

    Shrubs with an upright growth habit do not necessarily have to be cut. You can leave the pussy willow tree to its own devices over the years, allowing it to develop a unique shape and grow its crown naturally. The formation of deadwood is normal in willows. Once the dead material bothers you, you should remove it at the base. This gives the fresh shoots more light and you minimize the risk of disease.

    Pruning measures for a pollard willow:

    • Cut back faded shoots in spring to a stub with three eyes
    • Completely remove diseased shoots and dead branches
    • Cut off shoots on the trunk

    When and how to plant pussy willow?

    Willows are known for their rapid growth and good rooting ability. You can plant the shrubs bare-rooted in late spring. Hanging catkin willows have a compact rootstock and can also be planted out in the desired location in the fall.

    An optimal water supply is important for growth. If you want to grow your willow as a small tree, you should remove competing shoots immediately after planting. Leave a strong shoot and guide it with a bamboo stick. Cut off the shoot above the desired base of the crown. He should have at least five eyes.

    Instructions for planting:

    1. Dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball
    2. Plant willow as deep as it was in the pot before
    3. Fill in the soil and press down firmly
    4. Water the plant well and do not let it dry out in the following weeks

    transplant

    Ingrown willows can be replanted, with older specimens growing less well in the new location than young trees. The ideal time for this measure is October. To make it easier for the plants to grow, you should radically cut back the shoots before digging them up. Then cut off the root ball and lift it out of the ground. Proceed as with the planting of newly purchased trees.

    tub planting

    There are numerous mini cat willows that are suitable for pot cultivation. Hanging varieties also embellish potted gardens on balconies and terraces. When buying, make sure that the shrub or tree has already reached its final growth height. So you can ideally adapt the bucket to the plant size.

    Propagating pussy willows

    Most willows can easily be propagated from cuttings at any time of the year. This works mediocre with the Salweide. Here the most successful propagation is given by seeds. The 'Pendula' and 'Mas' varieties are multiplied by grafting.

    digression

    The natural propagation

    Salix species seeds are extremely small, allowing the seedling to benefit from makeshift nutrients. On the other hand, the seeds can spread over long distances with the wind because of their light weight. Willows are pronounced pioneer plants that colonize vegetation-free locations such as forest fire or erosion areas and flood land within a very short time. Your seeds will germinate within 24 hours under optimal conditions. On the other hand, they have no chance on densely overgrown areas. The young plants are very susceptible to dehydration and lose out to their light and nutrient competitors.

    cuttings

    Propagation via cuttings is easy and promising

    When propagating cuttings, you do not have to consider any special aspects. In winter, cut off fresh and not yet lignified shoots from the bush. You can also tear off the sprout cutting with a quick pull. Since this measure will damage the bark of the remaining branch, you should use a sharp knife. Place the shoot in a glass of water. New roots will form over the next few weeks, with the speed of rooting depending on temperature and light.

    sowing

    Collect faded catkins before the hairy seeds are borne by the wind. After collecting, speed is required because the seed does not remain germinable for long. Within the next two weeks you should scatter the seeds on moist potting soil. Press the fine seeds lightly into the substrate with a board so that they are not covered by soil. Keep the humidity high for the next few weeks.

    finishing

    Like the 'Mas' variety, the hanging catkin willow 'Pendula' is bred on long-rooted rods of the osier (Salix viminalis). 'Mas' can easily be propagated in winter, as the variety also thrives successfully on an unrooted cutting.

    • Cut the base and scion diagonally so that the cut surfaces are four to five centimeters long
    • Place cut surfaces of the shoots exactly on top of each other
    • fix with finishing tape
    • Make a wounding cut at the lower end of the shoot to promote rooting
    • Plant grafted willow and water well

    claims and care

    Willow plants prove to be frugal when it comes to care. They do not make high demands on the location and thrive in a variety of habitats. This makes the trees popular ornamental plants in the garden or on the balcony and terrace.

    Sal willow Nordic tree willow ash willow
    floor undemanding. tolerates both drought and flooding normal garden soil, like rocky but not too wet fresh to moist, neutral or slightly acidic
    location Sun to semi-shade Sun to semi-shade Sun to semi-shade
    special feature wind and salt tolerant suitable for exposed locations as a windbreak and pioneer tree

    watering and fertilizing

    Willows are undemanding, but are grateful for an annual compost application in spring. You can speed up growth with a slow-release fertilizer. Dry sandy soils should be mulched to keep them from drying out during the hot summer months. Young plants need a lot of water to develop an extensive root system. Potted plants need to be watered more frequently than outdoor plants. Change the soil in the pot every few years to provide nutrients for the pasture.

    hibernate

    The willow is hardy and does not need protection

    Sallow willows are hardy and do not require special protection when well established. Container plants can overwinter outside if their root ball is protected from freezing with bubble wrap or polystyrene. Alternatively, you can place the pot in a dark and cool room with temperatures around five degrees Celsius.

    use

    Willow catkins are suitable for the varied design of the garden. Each variety has its own character, which is why the trees and dwarf shrubs can be planted individually, as hedges or as ground cover. Willows also look good in pots.

    Solitary tree or wild shrub hedge

    Catkin willows that have been bred as standard or small trees are particularly effective when placed alone. They can be planted as an eye-catcher in the open space or in the bright front garden, as their space requirement can be controlled. On poorer locations, willows remain compact. They fit perfectly into the overall picture of native trees and create a natural hedge.

    beds and perennials

    The 'Pendula' variety barely grows over two meters tall and is ideal for spring borders. Since it is preferably cultivated as a standard, planting as a solitary plant is recommended. In combination with other trees, this variety cannot develop its full effect.

    On the other hand, it is perfect for the background of colorfully planted perennial beds. Bulb flowers or early-flowering perennials can be planted underneath the standard stem. Choose plants that can handle the root pressure of the willow and thrive under the shade of the canopy.

    Planting ideas:

    • Horned violets, forget-me-nots and daffodils
    • Hostas, elf flowers or mock strawberries
    • Mixtures 'Autumn Magic' or 'Spring Flirt'

    Pussy willow in pot

    Many willows can be cultivated as young plants in pots. If they get too big, you should plant the shrub in the garden. Low varieties are suitable for permanent cultivation in tubs because their root ball remains compact. The pot must grow with the bush. Pussy willows require a larger planter every two to three years.

    Coordinated fertilization is just as important as regular watering. When the wood sprout in spring, the pot must be rotated regularly. Otherwise, the shrub only grows vigorously on the side facing the light.

    Crafts with pussy willow - decoration from branches

    You can buy pussy willow branches or cut small amounts from shrubs in your own garden and use them for decorative purposes. When collecting, observe the nature conservation regulations so as not to endanger breeding birds or other living beings. Pussy willow branches can be used in many ways:

    • Wreath on willow branches, decorated with blooming horned violets and pearl hyacinths
    • long willow branches in a large glass vase decorated with spring accessories
    • Glue kittens to a styrofoam heart and decorate with bows
    youtube

    Problems with pussy willows

    Willows are hardy plants that can deal well with disease. There are a number of reasons why leaves may appear dry. In addition to diseases, suboptimal site conditions or growth disorders can also come into question.

    Orange spots on the leaves

    If the foliage is covered in numerous bright spots or spots, it may be the willow rust fungus. If you look closely at the underside of the leaf, you can see light yellow to orange spore beds. Species of the genus Melampsora are responsible for the disease. The rust fungi need an intermediate host for their development before they infest pastures. Different plant species such as spindle trees, violets, leeks, firs or currants can be used here. Orchids are also described as intermediate hosts.

    • combat: repeated treatments with a fungicide
    • prevention: Sweep up and remove fallen leaves
    • Strengthening: Provide trees and shrubs with sufficient nutrients

    Whitish coating on leaves and shoots

    A white lawn that turns gray with age indicates a powdery mildew disease. The species of fungi have specialized on certain host plants, so they cannot spread between plants from different families. Willows are often attacked by two different powdery mildew fungi. Control is not usually necessary. A milk-water solution can be sprayed on the affected plants to help.

    Withered branches and brown leaves

    When spring is particularly wet, various fungi can colonize pastures. One of these diseases is willow scab, which is caused by the fungus Pollaccia saliciperda. It damages leaves, thicker twigs and shoot tips. Affected leaves usually remain on the branch for a long time. The parts of the plant appear dried out and brown to black.

    Measures:

    • Collect and dispose of infested leaves
    • cut off diseased shoots
    • Administer phosphorus and potassium to ward off disease
    • Avoid nitrogen fertilizers
    • Regular thinning to ensure better ventilation

    tips

    Brown leaves and withered branches can also be a sign of the willow borer. Watch out for drill holes in the bark and the typical smell of vinegar.

    Black-brown growths on shoots

    The fungus Marssonina salicicola is responsible for Marssonia disease. It expresses itself in leaf damage and a shoot tip withering. Blackish growths on one- to two-year-old shoots that burst open over time are typical. The damage occurs more frequently in damp weather. Cut off diseased canes. In severe cases, a fungicide is necessary.

    The variety of pastures

    Salix gracilistyla 'Mount Aso' bears pink pussy willows

    The genus Salix includes 450 different species, many of which have been used to breed new ornamental shrubs.They all develop the typical pussy willows in which many individual flowers are crowded together. In some species, these appear particularly conspicuous because they sprout before or with the new leaves. Willows are popular ornamental shrubs because of their rapid growth. They develop different growth forms and differ in wood and leaf color:

    • Salix gracilistyla 'Mount Aso': pink pussy willow
    • Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki': Japanese ornamental willow with white variegated foliage
    • Salix purpurea 'Nana': spherical shrub with red wood and silver-grey leaves

    naming

    Numerous willows are referred to as catkin willows because of their showy flowers. These include ash willow (Salix cinerea), ripe willow (Salix daphnoides), northern sapling willow (Salix arbuscula) and the American catkin willow Salix discolor, which, however, is rarely found in German gardens. If you read the name pussy willow, it is usually of the species Salix caprea. In German it also bears the name Salweide.

    Common names for the willow:

    • kitten willow
    • catkins or palm willow
    • white willow
    • hanging willow

    Salix cinerea and arbuscula

    Ash or gray willow (Salix cinerea) is a native species that thrives in marshy meadows and is an important food source for wild bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Characteristic is its almost hemispherical shape and the grey-green coloring of the leaves, which catches the eye from afar. The Nordic sapling willow (Salix arbuscula), which is also offered as a catkin willow, grows naturally in Scandinavia. The dwarf shrub grows to a height of less than one meter and is richly branched.

    Salix caprea

    Sal willow is a native species that is considered an important first forage crop because of its early flowering period. It feeds honey bees and up to 100 different types of butterflies such as the lesser tortoiseshell, peacock butterfly and brimstone butterfly. The wood provides an important food source for beetles, which feed on the leaves. Salix caprea usually reaches heights of growth between two and ten meters. It develops a comparatively wide tree crown. There are different varieties of this catkin willow, which are characterized by different growth forms:

    • 'Pendula' and 'Kilmarnock': twigs pendulous, mini pussy willows
    • 'Curly Locks': twisted branches like a corkscrew, like a little tree
    • 'Mas': free-flowering variety with male flowers
    • 'Silver Shine': Advent willow with silvery catkins in early spring

    Are pussy willows poisonous?

    Willows are not poisonous; A healing tea can be brewed from the bark

    All parts of the willow plant contain varying concentrations of salicin, which is the precursor of salicylic acid. This makes willow a popular natural remedy. Willows are non-toxic to humans. All parts of the plant are edible, but have a very bitter taste. The fresh leaf shoots provide a flavorful addition to salads. Leaves, shoots and the inner bark can be boiled several times and eaten as a cooked vegetable.

    Recipe for a pain-relieving willow bark tea:

    • Gather young branches and peel off bark
    • about two teaspoons of fresh or dried bark per cup
    • douse with boiling water
    • leave for a maximum of ten minutes

    tips

    A cold extract of willow bark tastes a little milder. Pour cold water over one to two teaspoons of bark per cup and let the tea steep for about eight hours.

    frequently asked Questions

    Are pussy willows protected?

    Pussy willows are protected by the Federal Nature Conservation Act because in the past they were often cleared in large numbers for their velvety flowers. The flowers provide an important food source in spring. They provide wild bees, bumblebees, butterflies and numerous other insects with food. Therefore, collecting branches in nature is punished. Anyone who cuts branches from March to September is acting against nature conservation and risks a fine.

    Are pussy willows poisonous to cats or rabbits?

    Salicylic acid can be fatal to cats. The active ingredient is coupled to glucuronic acid in the liver and excreted. Since cats have a glucuronidation deficiency, so that this detoxification only works to a very limited extent, the active ingredient remains in the organism of the four-legged friends for a very long time.

    You should therefore prevent your cat from excessively nibbling on young branches, buds or the bark of willow trees. Because of the tannic acid it contains, rabbits should only eat small amounts of willow twigs and other species. Willow helps against diarrhea and flatulence. Salicylic acid also has an analgesic effect in rabbits.

    When is the flowering period of the pussy willow?

    Most willows flower very early in spring. This includes the willow, which flowers from the beginning of March and is therefore an important food source for insects. Late flowering species such as the laurel willow open their flowers between May and June. However, there are shifts in flowering times within a species. This depends on the geographical location, so that some early-flowering species develop their flowers as early as February.

    Can pussy willow cause an allergy?

    Allergies caused by willow pollen are very rare. All Salix species are dioecious. There are male and female trees, the inflorescences of which are called catkins. Since they are pollinated by insects, they disperse little pollen in the air. An exception is the herb willow, which is native to the insect-poor tundra. It is pollinated by the wind. Locally, however, higher amounts of pollen can occur and willow twigs indoors also noticeably increase the allergy potential.

    Typical symptoms:

    • Runny nose, sneezing and itching of the nasal mucosa
    • irritated airways and cough
    • itchy and burning eyes

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Garden design