Is this A Salix caprea OR A SALIX DISCOLOR - Ask Extension
I am aware it is larger than you might expect but this was for sure a pussy willow and the cattails would turn yellow and fuzzy and fall after spring....
Knowledgebase
Is this A Salix caprea OR A SALIX DISCOLOR #254538
Asked June 16, 2015, 11:37 AM EDT
I am aware it is larger than you might expect but this was for sure a pussy willow and the cattails would turn yellow and fuzzy and fall after spring. but which one was it?
Kent County Rhode Island
Expert Response
Hello,
Both Salix caprea and Salix discolor go by the commone name of pussy willow. These two are commonly confused with each other. Salix discolor is the true pussy willow, is a native to wet land areas. The branches of S. discolor has very dark brown branches, according to Dirr's 'Manual of Woody Landscape Plants', and very glaucouse lower leaf surfaces.
Your photo does not show the leaf or if it is growing in wetlands. Also the bark is not dark brown. So from you photo, I tend to think it is S. caprea. Dirr says it grows 15 ' to 25' with 12' to 15' spread.
Regards,
Carol Quish
Both Salix caprea and Salix discolor go by the commone name of pussy willow. These two are commonly confused with each other. Salix discolor is the true pussy willow, is a native to wet land areas. The branches of S. discolor has very dark brown branches, according to Dirr's 'Manual of Woody Landscape Plants', and very glaucouse lower leaf surfaces.
Your photo does not show the leaf or if it is growing in wetlands. Also the bark is not dark brown. So from you photo, I tend to think it is S. caprea. Dirr says it grows 15 ' to 25' with 12' to 15' spread.
Regards,
Carol Quish
