Pussy Willow vs Water Sedge - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Water Sedge

Salix discolor

Carex aquatilis

CUSTOM GROW

Pussy Willow
Water Sedge

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.

Water Sedge is a waterside grass which grows an extensive horizontal root system. This prevents erosion and allows it to grow back after being eaten.

Water sedge is grazed by many animals including cattle, sheep, horses and waterfowl. Animals choose Water Sedge for forage later in the year as it stays green longer than other plants, requiring you to buy feed for less of the year.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Water Sedge 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: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Foliage: long thin leaves
Flowers: green and brown
Seeds: located within the catkins
Seeds: achenes
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: american willow
Other Names: leafy tussock sedge