Salix chaenomeloides aka Giant Pussy Willow

Salix chaenomeloides is known as Japanese or Asian pussy willow. It belongs to the willow family, Salicaceae. Its native range includes northern and eastern China and southern Korea. It also grows wild in central and southern Japan. This deciduous plant grows fast and forms a rounded crown. Garden sources describe it as a shrub or small tree. It can have several stems, with upright and arching growth.

The branches shine and range from dark brown to reddish brown. Its simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They have a dark blue-green tone and smooth surfaces. Leaf shapes range from oval to egg-shaped, with toothed edges. The leaves fall each year, leaving the stems bare. Large red buds provide interest before the flowers open. These buds have a glossy surface and rounded shape.

The catkins begin to open in late winter or spring. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from March to April. Male catkins look silky and silver, with pink or rose tones. Female catkins are smaller than the male ones. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Both sexes must be present to produce seed. Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers. The fruit is a capsule with an oval to elongated shape.

Grow this willow in full sun for its preferred light conditions. It also accepts part shade. It prefers moist to wet soil and mild acidity or neutral pH. Sand, loam, and clay can all support its growth. It tolerates poor drainage and brief periods of flooding. Plants For A Future notes that it fares poorly on chalk. Sources place it in USDA hardiness zones 6–8. It withstands hard pruning, but NC State rates its maintenance as medium.

Use it as a lawn specimen, hedge, screen, or border plant. Its flowering stems suit cut displays and provide winter interest. The plant also supports viceroy butterfly larvae and attracts pollinators. NC State reports no known insect pests or diseases. Plants For A Future flags honey fungus susceptibility within the genus. That source lists leaves, inner bark, and young shoots as edible. It describes the bark as bitter famine food and the shoots as unappealing. It reports no known hazards, rather than proven safety for every use.