Russian Almond vs Pussy Willow - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Pussy Willow

Prunus tenella

Salix discolor

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Russian Almond
Pussy Willow

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 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 Quick Facts

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


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


Other Names: dwarf russian almond
Other Names: american willow