Pussy Willow vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Water Arum

Calla palustris

Salix discolor

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Water Arum
Pussy Willow

Water Arum is a native perennial wetland plant known for its showy white oval sheaths (spathe) that surround a yellow-green, cylindrical flower spike (spadix). It has large, oblong, heart-shaped leaves on stems that rise above the water from shallow, spreading rhizomes. The blossoms are followed in late summer by tiny, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental interest to wet habitats.

Water Arum provides food for birds and small mammals that eat its berries, and its flowers attract pollinators. It can tolerate cold climates and forms colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian planting, naturalisation, and habitat projects in wet and shaded environments.

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 Arum Quick Facts

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: high

Toxicity: toxic if ingested

Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Berries: red, in clusters
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: bog arum, swamp lily, wild calla, wild dragon
Other Names: american willow