Some plants are popular and grown for their showy and colorful blooms. On the other hand, some others are unique in their own ways. Gardeners may start looking for deer-resistant plants or low-maintenance plants to include in their gardens. The Black Cat Pussy Willow (Salix Chaenomeloides) is a plant that’s easily characterized for its unique features, in addition to its low-maintenance requirements.
This deciduous shrub is a native of China and Japan. It’s a close relative of the common pussy willow (Salix caprea), this plant gets its name from its black catkins that appear in early spring, long before the plant’s leaves unfurl.
If you’re looking for a plant addition based on its uniqueness and beauty, the Black Cat Pussy Willow is a great option to consider. Here’s everything you need to know about this plant.
| Botanical Name | Salix Chaenomeloides |
| Common Name | Black Cat Pussy Willow, Japanese Pussy Willow |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Large catkins in silver to pink hues |
| Size When Mature | 120 – 144 inches tall |
| Bloom Time | Early Spring to Late Fall |
| Sun Requirements | Full/ Partial Sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 4 – 7 |
| Soil PH Range | 6.8 – 7.2 |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, moist to wet, loamy |
| Water Needs | High |
| Native Area | China, Korea, Japan |
What You Need to Know About Black Cat Pussy Willow
Commonly found and thriving in wetlands, the Black Cat Pussy Willow has beautiful foliage, with a fast-growing habit making it ideal for planting as barriers or living fences.
This shrub can grow up to 15 feet when given the right growing conditions, with a rounded shape. It’s also one of the few willow species that are deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves every autumn.
Its catkins (male plants) start out from a very light pink hue, which eventually transforms into silver, then black once it matures, while its flowers are of deep red color. The blooms appear in early spring while the plant is still dormant, long before its leaves show up.
Generally speaking, Black Cat Pussy Willow can’t pose a significant threat to animals, when ingested in small amounts. It’s been listed as toxic to animals like rabbits, however, it will take quite a lot of the plant for it to cause any real harm.
As long as you keep an eye on your animals and make sure they don’t nibble on too much of the plant, there’s no need to worry about any health hazards.
How to Care for Black Cat Pussy Willow
Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for a thriving Black Cat Pussy Willow.
Light
The optimum amount of sunlight this plant needs depend on the climate you live in. If you’re growing Black Cat Pussy Willow in a temperate climate, it’s best to plant it in an area where it will receive full sun for at least 6 hours every day.
In hot and humid climates, on the other hand, this shrub does best when planted in an area with partial shade, with approximately 4 hours of sunlight each day.
Water and Soil Needs
Unlike other plants, Black Cat Pussy Willow is quite tolerant when it comes to different soil types. It can grow in sandy or clay soils, but does best in loamy soils, with moist to wet conditions.
Although it likes its roots wet most of the time, the soil should be well-draining to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
This plant requires a bit more water than most, so make sure to keep the soil moist at all times, especially during the hotter months. Giving it a good soak up to three times a week should be enough.
Temperature Requirements
Although not frost tolerant, Black Cat Pussy Willow can withstand colder temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius. It’s best to plant this shrub in an area with full sun and protection from the wind.
Thrives in USDA zones 4-7, during the colder months, applying mulch and adding insulation around the base of the plant can help protect it from the cold weather.
Fertilizer
In general, fertilizer isn’t required for this plant to thrive, But if you’ve noticed that your Black Cat Pussy Willow isn’t growing as quickly as you’d like, you can add compost or well-rotted manure before spring.
Applying a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once a year is also beneficial to help the plant produce more flowers.
Common Diseases
Although relatively easy to care for, unfortunately, Black Cat Pussy Willow is prone to different diseases. Some of these may be leaf blight, bacterial twig blight, rust, and powdery mildew.
Proper spacing and good air circulation can help prevent most of these diseases. It’s also important to avoid overhead watering. Strike the soil to reach the roots instead.
Copper fungicide and neem oil are considered to be two of the most effective treatments for Black Cat Pussy Willow fungal diseases.
Black Cat Pussy Willow Propagation
This plant can be easily propagated through cuttings. It does callous over quite quickly, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have a lot of experience with this method.
You may start by measuring 4 inches from the tips of the stems and cutting them with a sharp knife. Once you have your cuttings, remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches. Lay it flat on a surface and allow the cut end to callous over for a few days. Unlike some plants that may take a week or so for the callous to form, Black Cat Pussy Willow will do this in just a few days.
After the callous has formed, you can then plant your cuttings in soil. Water it well, keep the plant indoors until the roots have taken hold, and then transfer it to an outdoor location.
If you’ve decided to start Black Cat Pussy Willow from seeds, this is best done during the late spring. Remember that as soon as the seeds are ripe, you have to do this because they won’t last long.
You can start by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours. This will help them germinate faster. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep in the seed-starting mix, and keep the soil moist at all times.