Pussy Willow vs Western Snowberry - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Western Snowberry

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Salix discolor

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Western Snowberry
Pussy Willow

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 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.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 33%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Flowers: pinkish white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: high



Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry
Other Names: american willow