Pussy Willow vs Butternut (White Walnut) - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Butternut (White Walnut)

Salix discolor

Juglans cinerea

Pussy Willow
Butternut (White Walnut)

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.

Butternut is one of the few walnut varieties native to Canada. The nuts are sought after for their mild, sweet, and oily taste. Ensure this tree is planted in full sun and well-drained soil for best results.

Butternut is self-fertile but it has better yields when planted near other butternuts. It can survive in zone 2, but reliably produces nuts in zone 3.

A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.69 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Lowest Price: $18.99 - SAVE UP TO 32%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Nuts: brown shell, edible
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
Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: american willow
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut