One of the earliest shrubs to bloom is pussy willow and the arrival of its fuzzy catkins renews the spirit like nothing else. Long before the first bloom appears, however, branches can be brought inside, forced into bloom and enjoyed while nothing else is available. Children (as well as adults) love to pet the soft, silky flowers. In the garden, the shrubs thrive in a wet soil and provide a leafy screen from spring to fall. They are large plants, however, and if you have room for only one, be sure that you buy a male because it produces larger and prettier catkins than the females.
Type: Deciduous shrub
Height: 6-15’
Bloom Color: Pearly gray
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Full sun but tolerates some shade
Soil: Medium to wet well drained sandy loam; intolerant of dry soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Photo Credits: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers