Day 184: Pussy Willow

“Pussy willow is a name given to many of the smaller species of the genus Salix when their furry catkins are young in early spring. These species include: Goat willow or goat sallow, a small tree native to northern Europe and northwest Asia. Before the male catkins of these species come into full flower they are covered in fine, greyish fur, leading to a fancied likeness to tiny cats, also known as “pussies”. The catkins appear long before the leaves, and are one of the earliest signs of spring.” To read more click here