Salix discolor
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| Salix discolor L. |
The Pussy Willow, (Salix discolor), is a small, weak-wooded tree, often grown for cut flowers. Cuttings of its branches can be planted and will grow into full shrubs. It is common to the northern forests and wetlands of Canada and Alaska.
Its floral buds are a soft silky grey, opening to yellow. When grown for use by florists, it is picked just as the buds expand in spring and can last indefinitely once it is dried. It is a very popular kind of decorative branch because of its visual appeal and unusual look. The branches can be put in vases or the buds can be used for table decorations. In winter, the live buds close up untill the next spring.
[edit] Cultural References
- In the Russian Orthodox Church pussy willows will be carried on Palm Sunday instead of palm branches (which do not grow that far north). This custom has continued to this day among Russian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic emigrees to North America. Sometimes, on Palm Sunday, they will bless both palms and pussywillows in church.
