PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; abundant sunlight promotes dense catkin production, while partial shade is tolerated in hot summer regions
Watering
Water deeply during prolonged dry periods; tolerate occasional waterlogging but prefer well-drained soil to prevent root rot
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy to -20°C; withstands mild summer heat up to 25°C without significant stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow lanceolate leaves, gray-green upper surface, silvery pubescent underside, up to 10 cm long
- Flower: Dense, black-tipped velvet catkins emerge before foliage; male catkins are longer and more prominent
- Stem: Slender, flexible brown stems with smooth, thin bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active leaf growth
Fertilization
Apply well-rotted compost once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can reduce catkin production the following year
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp per plant around the base in early spring to boost soil calcium contentPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to encourage compact growth and more catkin-producing stems for the next season
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to improve airflow and plant structure
- Thin overcrowded stems to maintain an open, rounded shrub shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no harmful effects for cats
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Catkins symbolize early spring renewal in Japanese and Korean garden traditions
Usage: Ornamental winter garden shrub; cut catkins are popular for floral arrangements
