Pussy Willow vs Western Snowberry - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Western Snowberry

Salix discolor

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

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Pussy Willow
Western Snowberry

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.

Like the Common Snowberry, the Western Snowberry is a small shrub with pink flowers useful for feeding livestock and preventing erosion. Unlike the common species, however, the Western Snowberry is much more suited to wet conditions, capable of persevering through poor soil drainage and occasional flooding.

After the Snowberry's flowers have bloomed, it produces berries which often last on the plant through winter. These berries are toxic to humans, but livestock and local wildlife love them! Those hoping to attract wildlife to their property can plant Snowberry and expect to see animals foraging on it much later in the year than other plants.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Flowers: pinkish white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: high




Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans
Other Names: american willow
Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry