Pussy Willow vs Water Sedge - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Water Sedge

Carex aquatilis

Salix discolor

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Water Sedge
Pussy Willow

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 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 Quick Facts

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


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


Other Names: leafy tussock sedge
Other Names: american willow