Pussy Willow vs Falsebox - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Falsebox

Salix discolor

Paxistima myrsinites

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Pussy Willow
Falsebox

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.

Falsebox is a native evergreen shrub found in forests, slopes, and rocky sites. Its greenery adds winter interest and provides cover to wildlife. It is used to provide ground cover, especially under established trees.

It provides shelter for small animals and birds and its inconspicuous flowers support pollinators. It is long-lived and tolerant of a range of conditions, including drought once established.

Falsebox is well suited for naturalisation projects, erosion control, wildlife gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. It is a practical addition to restoration plantings and mixed shrub communities.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Falsebox Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Growth form: prostrate to spreading
Spreading: layering - medium
Suckering: high


Foliage: evergreen, leathery leaves
Bark: reddish-brown
Flowers: small, maroon-purple, fragrant
Bloom time: summer
Seeds: located within the catkins
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
Other Names: american willow
Other Names: false box, mountain boxwood, mountain lover, myrtle boxwood, oregon boxleaf, oregon boxwood