Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) vs Pussy Willow - TreeTime.ca

Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) vs Pussy Willow

Salix discolor

Hippophae rhamnoides l.

Pussy Willow
Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry)

Pussy Willow is a large shrub or small tree that produces catkins that are soft, silky, and silvery before leaves appear in the spring. This native willow prefers moist to wet soil.

Pussy Willow makes a beautiful accent tree, and its bright branches can be used for floral arrangements or basket making.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Sea Buckthorn, aka Seaberry, is a nitrogen fixing shrub that produces attractive berries high in vitamin C.

While we can't confirm claims that the berries are effective in treating various ailments, many people believe consuming the berries helps with arthritis, infections, and asthma, among other things.

Sea Buckthorn plants have attractive pale silvery-green leaves, dense branches, and large thorns, people like to grow in ornamental hedges or as a first row in a shelterbelt.

Note: these plants typically reach maturity and make their sex easily known (females producing fruit) in their 3rd or 4th year of growth. Our seedlings are too young to identify their sex.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 33%
Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Berries: small, edible
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: american willow
Other Names: sallowthorn, sandthorn, seaberry