Salix discolor Muhl. (Salicaceae) Pussy Willow
Native of Labrador east to Alberta, south to Kentucky and S. Dakota, in swamps, by lakes and creeks and in damp scrub, flowering in February-May in the north. Deciduous large shrub or tree to 6 m. Male catkins 2.5-6 cm long, female rather longer, showing silvery hairs on the naked shoots in late winter, before opening with yellow stamens or greenish styles in spring. Moist soil; sun. Hardy to -25°C and below. The common Pussy Willow in North America. Z2.