- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 8 - 12 Feet
- Mature Spread 8 - 12 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Enjoy early spring blooms with the Salix melanostachys or Black Pussy Willow. The large, black catkins bloom in March and April. The blooms welcome spring and provide visual interest at a time when most plants are not very showy. The unique color and texture are eye-catching. Trim the stunning flowers to display in a vase.
This shrub thrives in damp areas, making it an excellent option for areas along ponds, lakes, or rivers. Use this shrub to control erosion along a water feature or to soak up moisture in areas prone to flooding. The Black Pussy Willow is a fast grower, so give it room to spread. Pussy willows create a woodland-inspired landscape, and this cultivar grows in zones 4 through 8.
Black Pussy Willow Care
Plant the Black Pussy Willow in full sun to partial shade in rich, moist soil. Plants grow best in damp conditions, but extended exposure to standing water can be an issue. Pussy willows need about one inch of water per week and may not require supplemental watering if planted in damp soil. Fertilize Black Pussy Willow in the fall using a balanced plant food.
Pruning is a necessary part of caring for pussy willows because these plants can quickly overtake a landscape. Overgrown plants often have brittle branches, so trimming pussy willows keeps the plants at a manageable size and reinvigorates growth. Prune the Black Pussy Willow for size during late spring after the blooms fade, although dead or damaged growth can be removed at any time.
Black Pussy Willow Spacing
The Black Pussy Willow is a large, spreading shrub that stands 8 to 12 feet tall and wide. The ideal spot will be able to accommodate a large and fast-growing plant. Space the Black Pussy Willow at least 6 feet from other plants, and be ready to cut back an established plant as needed if it outgrows its area.
Black Pussy Willow Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 8 - 12 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 8 - 12 Feet |
| Spacing: 8 - 12 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Black |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: March and April |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Erosion Control, Hedges & Privacy |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Black Pussy Willow |
| Other Name(s): French Pussy Willow |
| Scientific Name: Salix Melanostachys |
- SKU:
- 1231006932-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations