Characteristics and display of Pussy Willow: a branch with cat tail-like catkins

Basic Information on Pussy Willow

Plant Name	Pussy Willow
Scientific Name	Salix gracilistyla
English Name	Pussy Willow
Other Names	Kawayanagi, Enokoroyanagi
Family/Genus	Salicaceae / Salix
Classification	Deciduous broadleaf / Shrub
Origin	Japan
Availability	January-February
Market Volume	★★☆☆☆
Longevity	★★★★★

*★ indicates a 5-level rating

Characteristics of Pussy Willow

Pussy willow is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Salix family. In early spring, around March to April, it produces fluffy, silvery-white catkins. It was named "Neko-yanagi" (cat willow) because its swaying catkins resemble a cat's tail.

Pussy willow grows widely along riverbanks in Japan and is also commonly planted in gardens. As it blooms earlier than other willow varieties, it is also cherished as a plant that signals the arrival of spring.

In China and other countries, it is a staple floral material for the Lunar New Year as a "symbol of abundance."
Its straight branches, red and white colors, and catkins resembling silver coins are considered suitable for celebrating the New Year.

Pussy Willow Flower Language

The flower language of pussy willow includes positive words such as "freedom," "frankness," "as one pleases," and "efforts will be rewarded."

"Freedom," "Frankness," "As one pleases"

As its name suggests, the swaying catkins of the pussy willow are said to evoke the free and whimsical nature of a cat.

"Efforts will be rewarded"

This is thought to come from the pussy willow's vigorous upward and outward growth, and its ability to bloom after enduring a harsh winter.

These bright and positive flower meanings are perfect for the pussy willow, which blooms in early spring and announces the arrival of spring.

Pussy willow is also the birth flower for January 23rd and February 5th.

How to Display Pussy Willow

Pussy willow grows its branches upward and sideways, bearing fluffy, silvery-white catkins.

While it varies by individual plant, it generally doesn't droop downwards like weeping willows, so you don't necessarily need a tall vase.◎

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Precautions when arranging in a vase

When arranging, the first point to note is to cut the branches to fit the vase if they are too long. If you arrange them as they are, the balance may be off, or the branches may spread too much and be difficult to manage.

After that, it is recommended to remove the catkins at the bottom to prevent them from getting submerged in water. If the fluffy catkins get wet, it can lead to bacterial growth in the vase.

If you pluck them off by hand, you might peel off the bark and damage the branch, so always use clean scissors or a knife to remove them.

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Pussy Willow Care Instructions

Pussy willow is a relatively hardy and easy-to-grow plant, but daily care is essential. Here are some basic care tips for branches.

Basic Care

1. Recutting upon receipt

Upon receipt, recut the branches before placing them in a vase.

At this time, make a cross-shaped cut at the base and peel off the bark to help them absorb water more easily.

Branches can be tired from transport, so it's recommended to place them in water with a floral preservative.

 

2. Display in a comfortable spot for branches

Branches prefer a well-ventilated, cool place away from direct sunlight and air conditioning drafts.

You don't need to worry about direct sunlight, so it's also recommended to display them in bedrooms or washrooms.

 

3. Frequent water changes

Change the water frequently before it becomes cloudy. At that time, recutting will also help with water absorption.

If there is any sliminess, gently wipe it off with your hand.

If your branches are losing vitality...

Cut them short and enjoy them in smaller arrangements.

As time passes, it becomes increasingly difficult for water to be absorbed. In such cases, cutting them into shorter pieces is one solution.

By making them shorter, water absorption improves, and the appearance of smaller branches can also be quite refreshing.

Pussy Willow Trivia

Pussy Willow, long cherished as a kigo for spring

Pussy willow, found along riverbanks throughout Japan. Its shimmering appearance in the soft sunlight of early spring has been widely loved as a kigo (seasonal word) for spring by poets since ancient times, and has been featured in many haiku.

Kitahara Hakushu, a prominent poet of modern Japanese literature, was one such individual.

Kirisame no komakani kakaru neko-yanagi tsukuzuku mireba haru take ni keri - Kitahara Hakushu

Fine mist falls gently on the pussy willows; upon closer inspection, spring has deepened.

Neko-yanagi mono wo omoeba neko no ke wo nazuru kokochi ni yoki kaze mo fuku - Kitahara Hakushu

As I ponder things while touching the pussy willow, a pleasant breeze blows, feeling like stroking a cat's fur.

Neko-yanagi usu-murasaki ni hikaru nari yuki tsumoru asa no kishi no keshiki ni - Kitahara Hakushu

The pussy willow shines a pale purple on a cold, snowy morning by the riverbank.

One can imagine Hakushu's figure, celebrating the modest arrival of spring, as he gazes at the fluffy catkins that beautifully contrast against the blue sky in the lingering snow.

Pussy willow is an indispensable flower for decorating the New Year.It will continue to be cherished and celebrated as a flower that heralds spring.

How to Grow Pussy Willow

Pussy willow blooms in early spring, from March to April, and grows to a height of about 1 to 3 meters. Since it originated near water, it prefers sunny, moist locations. It is a very vigorous tree and can withstand both heat and cold, so it is planted all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu.

Although it is thought to be vulnerable to dryness because it grows in wetlands, this is actually not the case. It is resistant to various climate changes and is easy to grow, making it a popular garden tree for beginners.

Its charming and unique appearance and long-lasting flowers make it popular as a material for arrangements and ikebana.

Pussy Willow Catkins

Pussy willow flowers are clusters of many small flowers called catkins. As willows are dioecious, male plants bear male flowers and female plants bear female flowers. They have no petals, and both male and female flowers are covered in cottony hairs, with stamens on male flowers and pistils on female flowers. 

The tips of the stamens turn red, and the pollen is yellow, making the male flowers appear somewhat more colorful. For this reason, they are also popular as material for ikebana.

Summary of Pussy Willow

The pussy willow is a deciduous shrub of the Salicaceae family, characterized by fluffy catkin flower spikes resembling a cat's tail. It blooms in early spring, and is cherished as a plant that signals the arrival of spring.

It is also a vigorous branch plant, making it easy for beginners to grow, and is well-known as a garden tree.

Its adorable floral appearance is sure to give your room a completely different impression from other branch arrangements. Feel free to display it in a simple vase and enjoy!

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