Pussy Willow
Hardiness zone: 2
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Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Early Spring Flowering Shrub for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7)
Quick Expert Summary
The Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) is a fast-growing, extremely cold-hardy native shrub ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7). It typically grows 2–3 ft per year (60–90 cm) and reaches 6–16 ft (2–5 m) at maturity.
Best for wetland planting, shoreline stabilization, and ornamental landscapes, it offers silvery spring catkins and rapid growth along with excellent adaptation to wet, marshy soils.
Why Choose Pussy Willow for Ontario and Eastern Canada?
A fast-growing native shrub valued for its iconic spring catkins and ability to thrive in wet conditions.
- Hardiness: Zone 2 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7)
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Best For: Ornament / Naturalization / Windbreak
- Maintenance: Low once established
- Key Feature: Silvery spring catkins
- Native / Non-native: Native to Quebec and Eastern Canada
It adapts well to:
- Wet soils
- Waterlogged or marshy soils
- Saturated and shoreline conditions
- Natural and riparian environments
- Cold climates and snow load
Tree/Shrub Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | 6-16 ft (2–5 m) |
| Mature Spread | 6–16 ft (2–5 m) |
| Growth Rate | 2–3 ft per year |
| Hardiness Zone | 2 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Preference | Moist to wet, adaptable |
| Water Needs | High (prefers wet soil) |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
| Deer Resistance | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 20–40+ years |
Is Pussy Willow Right for Your Yard?
Choose Pussy Willow if:
- You want fast growth within 2–3 years
- You have a medium to large yard or wet area
- You live in Zone 2–7
- You want early spring flowers and pollinator support
- You need a shrub for wet soils or shoreline planting
Not ideal if:
- Your soil is very dry
- Your yard is very small
- You are planting too close to foundations or drainage systems
Best Uses
- Wetland and shoreline planting
- Naturalization projects
- Ornamental spring interest
- Windbreaks in moist areas
- Pollinator-friendly gardens
Why it works: Pussy Willow grows quickly, tolerates saturated soils, and produces early-season catkins that support pollinators.
What Makes Pussy Willow Special?
An iconic Canadian shrub known for its early spring beauty.
- Spring: Soft, silvery catkins (“pussy willows”) appear early
- Summer: Dense green foliage
- Fall: Subtle seasonal colour
- Winter: Strong branching structure with ornamental interest
Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada
Yes, Pussy Willow is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7 and tolerates extreme cold, snow, and wet winter conditions.
First-year tip:
- Add mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water thoroughly before freeze-up
- Plant in naturally moist locations for best success
Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada
Best planting time:
- Spring (April–June)
- Early fall (September–October)
Spacing:
- 10–15 ft from foundations
- 6–10 ft between plants
Watering (first year):
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Water 1–2 times per week if needed
Quick Answers (FAQ)
How fast does Pussy Willow grow in Ontario?
Typically 2–3 ft per year in good conditions.
Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 2 and performs very well across Eastern Canada.
Does it need another tree for pollination?
Yes—male and female plants are separate for full flowering and seed production.
Are the roots invasive?
Roots can be aggressive in wet soils—plant away from pipes and foundations.
Is it messy?
May produce catkins and leaf drop, typical of willows.
Compare With Similar Trees/Shrubs
| Tree | Growth | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pussy Willow | Fast | Early soft silvery catkins | Wet soils |
| Satiny Willow | Fast | Silky-textured foliage | Wet landscapes |
| Basket Willow | Very Fast | Flexible stems | Hedges & weaving |
Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Nursery-grown
- Carefully packaged
- Shipped to your door in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Healthy root system guarantee
Explore Related Collections
Related articles:
- Spring Flooding in Eastern Canada : Plants That Help Protect Properties
- Willows for Soil Erosion Control
- How Planting Milkweed in Eastern Canada Helps Monarch Butterflies
- Best Trees for Wet Soils in Canada
- Early Spring Flowering Shrubs
Sizes of our plants
Sizes of our plants
Our trees and shrubs are sold in two sizes: small (110 ml volume) and large (310 ml volume).
Volume discount
Volume discount
At TreesOnline.ca, the more you buy, the more you save! We offer a volume discount program that benefits our customers who place large orders! To find out the discount you will receive, based on the value of your order, consult the table below.
From $0.00 to $199.99 = 0% discount
From $200.00 to $299.99 = 5% discount
$300.00 and over = 10% discount
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery available across Canada. Order now and receive your plants in Spring 2026.
Nursery pickup: A flat preparation and packaging fee of $8 will be added to your bill upon pickup. Select the "nursery pickup" option at checkout on our online store.
Quebec and Ontario: Base fee of $23, plus 20% of the plants' value. Add $5 for signature.
All other Canadian provinces: Base fee of $50, plus 20% of the plant value. Add $5 for signature.
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Questions about our terminology? Consult our online glossary .
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