Quick answer: Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is native to 9 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Circumneutral pH damp soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Feb-Mar |
| Height | Up to 25 ft, often shorter |
| Wildlife value | Early season food for songbirds/waterfowl/mammals, larval host for Mourning Cloak and Viceroy, special value to native/bumble/honey bees |
Invasive / regulated
none noted formally; tends to sucker to point of being invasive if given continuously moist soil
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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