Grey Alder vs Pussy Willow - TreeTime.ca

Grey Alder vs Pussy Willow

Alnus incana

Salix discolor

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Grey Alder
Pussy Willow

River Alder is a large shrub or small tree with a multi-stemmed, spreading habit. It is an excellent tree to plant if you want to stabilize the soil near rivers and creeks.

Unlike the other alder varieties, River Alder is attractive enough to be included in riverside plantings by municipal and provincial park organizations.

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.

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fruit: small catkins
Cones: small brown cones
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Other Names: american willow