Pussy Willow is one of the first woody plants to show signs of spring, producing silky silver catkins (the 'pussies') in February and March while snow still covers the ground. It grows in wet habitats across northern North America and is one of the most important early-season pollen sources for queen bumblebees and other native bees emerging from hibernation.
Best time to see a Pussy Willow
The best time to see a Pussy Willow is March–April, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,674 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Pussy Willow? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Pussy Willow sightings near you
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