Pussy Willow vs Purple Leaf Sand Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Salix discolor

Prunus x cistena

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Pussy Willow
Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

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.

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry provides bright reddish-purple leaves that turn bronze-green in the fall. In the spring, tiny flowers with a pinkish white hue bloom. The flowers are small, but the impact comes from the shrub blossoming all at once.

The Purple leaf sand cherry can be susceptible to pests and diseases in more humid areas; a typical life span is approximately 15 years. Not suitable for a privacy hedge on its own but is often alternated with lilacs. Often used as an accent plant that attracts birds and bees.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: dark red
Flowers: pinkish
Bark: dark red to purple
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low




Toxicity: the leaves and seed are slightly toxic
Other Names: american willow
Other Names: purpleleaf sandcherry