Russian Almond vs Pussy Willow - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Pussy Willow

Salix discolor

Prunus tenella

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Pussy Willow
Russian Almond

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.

Russian Almond is a low maintenance, short, slightly suckering shrub. It is covered with attractive, bright pink flowers in early spring before its foliage emerges.

This hardy species forms dense thickets attracts wildlife. Russian Almond prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate moist soils.

The nuts it produces are quite attractive but very small. They are bitter and possibly toxic in large quantities.

Check out our YouTube channel video of the Russian Almond here.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Russian Almond Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.69 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Flowers: bright pink
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: american willow
Other Names: dwarf russian almond