PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal winds and urban pollution
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; withstands cold winters and moderate summer heat without damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval, soft green leaves with serrated margins, silvery underside when young
- Flower: Dense, fuzzy catkins (pussy willows) in pale yellow or silver, appearing before foliage
- Stem: Slender, pendulous branches that drape downward from a grafted standard
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply once weekly during dry spells; avoid allowing soil to dry out completely
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at bud break. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth that weakens branches
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp around the tree base and water in to release calcium graduallyPruning
- Trim dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Shorten overgrown weeping branches to maintain desired canopy shape
- Remove suckers growing from below the graft union to preserve the weeping form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Contains salicin, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite
Humans: Contains salicin; large ingestion of bark/leaves may cause nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Catkins symbolize early spring renewal; used in seasonal floral decorations
Usage: Ornamental garden tree; cut catkins for indoor floral arrangements
