Pussy Willow vs Variegated Dogwood - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Variegated Dogwood

Cornus alba argenteo-marginata

Salix discolor

Variegated Dogwood
Pussy Willow

Variegated Dogwood is a small shrub that is often used in the first row of a shelterbelt, as a hedge, or for soil stabilization projects. It has the same distinctive red bark, white flowers, and berries as Red Osier Dogwood.

The key difference between the two is the leaves. Where Red Osier's leaves are green throughout, Variegated Dogwood has a white outline around each leaf, giving this shrub a distinctive look.

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.

Variegated Dogwood Quick Facts

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


Foliage: variegated white edges
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: tatarian dogwood
Other Names: american willow