Shrubs
Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys'
Black pussy willow
Nearly black catkins stand out on bare stems in late winter and early spring, developing red anthers and then yellow pollen. Dark green leaves follow the display. Cut branches are striking indoors, while regular pruning keeps fresh flowering shoots within easy view.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun
- Mature size
- 6–10 ft. tall × Up to 10 ft. unpruned wide
- Water
- Moist to wet soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–8
- Bloom
- Black catkins; late winter–early spring
Sizes & prices
- #5Black Pussywillow$59.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Wet soil
- Tolerates damp and wet sites.
Seasonal interest
- Foliage
- Deciduous.
Growing & care
- Pruning
- After flowering, established plants can be cut to 8–12 inches every one to two years to renew flowering shoots.
Sources & photo credits
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0
Image notes: Black pussy willow. Representative plant; resized and re-encoded, not cropped.
Reviewed September 21, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.