How to Cut & Display Pussy Willow Branches Indoors

Unlike other spring branches we force to bloom indoors, pussy willows should be kept dry after cutting to preserve their soft, fuzzy catkins.

To force flowering trees and shrubs to bloom indoors in spring, use these tips.

---

Bringing Pussy Willows Indoors

Pussy willow buds are one of the earliest signs that spring is on the way. Those soft, silvery catkins (from the Middle Dutch word for kitten) start appearing before most other spring-flowering trees awaken.

If you want to bring a little spring indoors, pussy willow branches make a beautiful, long-lasting display if you follow this one tip.

Unlike branches from forsythia, magnolia, or cherry trees, which we “force” to bloom in water, pussy willow branches should be kept dry.

If you place the branches in water, they’ll zoom through the catkin stage, and, if from a male plant, produce masses of pollen. These staminate yellow flowers are popular for traditional spring displays but not the vibe if you prefer the long-lasting furry catkin stage.

Here’s how to enjoy them at their best.

---

1Choose the Right Time

Pussy willow catkins typically start appearing in late winter or early spring, depending on your location.

• Cut them when the catkins are just about how you want them to look in your display.

Once you clip them, they change (open) only slightly more.

---

2Cut the Branches

• Use clean, sharp pruners or snippers.
• Look for healthy branches (catkin branches are more like twigs).
• Make an angled cut at the desired length (typically 1 to 3 feet long).

Pussy willows tend to be rather free form shrubs with lots of suckers so choose good-looking branches you won’t miss.

---

3Skip the Water

Once indoors, do not place pussy willow branches in water.

• Stand your cut branches in a tall, dry vase or container.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, which can dry them out too fast.

The catkins will open a little more as they dry but there is no chance of flowering without water.

---

Pussy Willow Care

Preserving Pussy Willows

In most cases, pussy willows do fine with air drying and gentle handling. Some sources recommend “setting” the catkins with hairspray or clear fixative sprays but I’ve never found it necessary.

---

Make Your Pussy Willows Last

With the right care, pussy willow branches can last for months or years before the catkins fall off.

Here’s how to help them stay in great shape:

• Use a tall, dry vase. Skip the water—just stand the branches upright in a sturdy vase.
• Avoid heat and sunlight. Keep them away from heaters, bright lights, and direct sun to prevent drying or fading.
• Keep them out of high-traffic areas. Choose a spot where they won’t get bumped, jostled, or knocked over.
• Watch out for pets. Cats especially may find them tempting to chew or swat.

---

Forcing Pussy Willow Flowers

If you do decide to force your pussy willow cuttings to flower, be ready for pollen! Pussy willows are dioecious, meaning each plant produces either male or female flowers (not both).

You might not know whether your pussy willow has male or female flowers until the catkins open—either naturally outdoors or when forced to bloom indoors. I learned the hard way that our tree is male and what a mess the flowers made indoors! Not only did we have all that pollen in the house but we learned which family members are allergic. You won’t, of course, have as much trouble with female flowers.

But, if those are not issues for you, you can put your cuttings in water. Remove any buds below the water line and change the water regularly. The catkins will open and flower in the coming weeks.

If the branch starts to root, you can pot it up or plant it in the garden to grow a new pussy willow shrub.

---

Resources

Read More

• Salix discolor | xerces.org
• Salix discolor | wildflower.org
• Salix discolor | efloras.org

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛