Kitten’s tails

Delve into the world of fuzzy pussy willow catkins...

I've always ben fascinated by pussy willow; even now I can't resist stroking it when I'm out and about. One of my earliest memories is of stroking pussy willow whilst being held aloft by mum or dad; the soft, velvety texture feeling like a kitten’s paw or tail against my small fingers. I don't recall having any understanding that the subsequent yellow catkins that appeared a few weeks later were just the next stage of development in the life of these grey, furry oval balls.

The pendulous golden tassels of hazel, the russet colours of alder catkins, the velvety grey of the willow – the arrival of colour in our trees during February and March signals that spring is almost round the corner. These slim clusters of flowers have no petals and are, in the main, pollinated by the wind. Willows in particular, however, rely on insects for pollination and provide a really important early food source for hoverflies, bumblebees and other insects that brave the early spring temperatures.

The word catkin, by the way, is derived from the old Dutch word, katteken, for kitten. Whilst hazel catkins are also known as lamb's-tails, it's the softness of willow catkins that gives them their feline names.

The name pussy willow actually refers to two trees - the grey willow and the goat willow, also known as common or great sallow respectively. As with many of the willows, the trees are similar but find one with that's had furry grey buds and take a closer look at the leaves; goat willow has oval leaves whereas the leaves of grey willow are oblong and at least twice as long as they are wide.

Willow catkins - both furry grey ones and ones with yellow pollen bursting out by Wendy Carter — Pussy willow catkins by Wendy Carter

Catkins are either male or female and both grey and goat willows are dioecious; the male and female catkins grow on separate trees. Hazel and alder, by contrast, have both male and female on the same tree (monoecious). It's the grey, stout catkins of both trees that are male, becoming yellow when they’re ripe with pollen. Female catkins are longer and green and, when pollinated by the wind, they develop into woolly seeds.

Willows are really important for many insects. As well providing an important early source of pollen and nectar, the foliage is eaten by a number of moth caterpillars – including the appropriately named sallow kitten and puss moth – and, of course, both the seeds and insects provide an important source of food for birds and mammals.

Pussy willow normally bursts forth in March but we've had hazel catkins dangling in January's mild weather this year so who knows what February will bring. As you walk around your local greenspace or wander further afield, look for catkins growing on different trees and one day you just might spot the grey fuzziness of pussy willow.

Given that it's not only attractive but also an important source of nectar and pollen so early in the year, if you've got space why not think about planting a goat willow. This isn't a tree for a small garden but if you've got a larger patch or are able to influence planting in your community, this could be the tree for you. It's fast-growing and will need managing (it grows up to 12m tall with a spread of 8m) but this is a hardy tree that can be pruned and coppiced or pollarded to keep it in check.