Pussy Willow vs Hedge Rose - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Hedge Rose

Salix discolor

Rosa rugosa x Rosa woodsii (Improved hybrid developed by PFRA)

Pussy Willow
Hedge Rose

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.

Hedge Rose is a long-lived, fast-growing shrub. It bears similar flowers to the Alberta Wild Rose. Birds will love its deep red rose hips. Hedge Rose will thrive in a wide variety of soils and is a tall rose forming a useful hedge.

Excellent for shelterbelts, ecobuffers, and wildlife habitat plantings. Continuous flowering makes it attractive to pollinators. Many song and game birds utilize this tree for food and habitat.

In use since the early 1900s, this hybrid was originally developed at the PFRA's Indian Head Agroforestry Center.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Hedge Rose Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.69 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Lowest Price: $3.19 - SAVE UP TO 47%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Flowers: pink or crimson
Fruit: red hips
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: american willow