Quick answer: Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is native to 18 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory 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 |
none noted formally; tends to sucker to point of being invasive if given continuously moist soil
Buying it
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
See where to buy →Quick answers about Pussy willow
Where is Pussy willow native?
Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is native to 18 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Pussy willow bloom?
Pussy willow blooms Feb-Mar. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Pussy willow need?
Light: Sun. Water: High water, Moist. Soil: Circumneutral pH damp soils. Mature height: Up to 25 ft, often shorter.
Is Pussy willow good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Early season food for songbirds/waterfowl/mammals, larval host for Mourning Cloak and Viceroy, special value to native/bumble/honey bees.
Where can I buy real Pussy willow seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Salix discolor on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Pussy willow.
- Gray dogwood Cornus racemosa
- Highbush cranberry Viburnum opulus var. americanum
- Nannyberry Viburnum lentago
- Common snowberry Symphoricarpos albus
- Cockspur hawthorn Crataegus crus-galli
- White meadowsweet Spiraea alba
Also listed under
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