Something To Revisit: Planting A Pussy Willow In Our Yard
Back in Elmhurst, we planted a Pussy Willow (Salix Caprea) in our backyard next to our outdoor fireplace. I first came across it at Menards in 2011 . Bought and planted in 2011. One year later, it was going crazy. Here's how it looked in Summer 2012 . I liked the coverage the plant gave us, but we haven't planted one in our new yard despite seeing them at the garden centers the past few years. But, this post about gardening New Year's Resolutions from the University of Minnesota Extension includes (as one of their recommended resolutions): " Plant pussy willows, a pollinator-friendly, eco-friendly and energy-producing shrub ". From the U of M post : Pussy willows (Salix discolor), a large 15-20 foot shrub native to Minnesota and much of northern U.S. is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring. Pussy willows provide some of the earliest flowers and pollen for honey and other native bees. The foliage also supports native butterfly caterpil