Black Cat Pussywillow

Black Cat Pussywillow (Salix chaenomeloides 'Lubbers Zwart')

Black Cat Pussywillow brings bold late-winter interest when most landscapes are still asleep, lighting up the garden with dramatic, fuzzy catkins. It also grows into a large, useful shrub that can quickly add privacy and structure along property lines, back borders, and open corners. The cut stems are a standout for indoor arrangements, giving you a seasonal harvest without extra effort. If you want a tough, fast grower that handles moisture and still looks special up close, this shrub delivers.

Distinctive Features

This deciduous willow produces extra-large catkins that emerge in late winter to early spring, often starting with silvery tones and maturing to a deep, smoky black for a striking look. The plant grows upright with a broad, multi-stem form and green foliage that fills in quickly after the catkin season. It is valued for cut stems, winter and early spring seasonal interest, and strong landscape presence. Like many willows, it responds well to renewal pruning, which can encourage vigorous growth and more harvestable stems.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part sun for best growth and catkin display.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is ideal, and it tolerates heavier soils and periodically wet sites.
• Water: Prefers consistent moisture, especially in the first growing season, and handles wetter conditions once established.
• USDA Zones: Grows well in zones 4 to 7.
• Mature Size: Typically reaches about 10 to 12 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide.
• Habit: Upright, large, multi-stem shrub with a broad, spreading outline.
• Foliage: Medium green leaves that create a full summer screen.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Feature it as a focal point where the late-winter catkins can be seen from windows and walkways.
• Screening: Use it as a fast-growing screen for back borders and privacy along property lines.
• Rain Gardens: Plant it in moisture-prone areas where many shrubs struggle and quick coverage is needed.
• Cut Stems: Grow it for cutting branches for indoor arrangements and seasonal displays.
• Wildlife Planting: Include it to add early-season interest and support beneficial insects in the landscape.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Prune after the catkins finish to shape, or coppice hard every few years to encourage straight, vigorous stems.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment, then water during extended dry periods, especially in sandy soils.
• Mulching: Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from the stems.
• Feeding: Top-dress with compost in spring if growth is weak, and avoid heavy fertilizing in rich soils.
• Placement: Give it room to mature and keep it away from tight corners where its size could become a maintenance issue.

Why Choose Black Cat Pussywillow?

• Late-Winter Drama: Extra-large catkins provide standout interest when the garden needs it most.
• Great for Cutting: Strong stems and showy catkins make an easy, reliable source for arrangements.
• Fast Coverage: Vigorous growth helps build privacy and structure faster than many shrubs.
• Moisture Tolerance: Handles damp soils and wet periods better than many common landscape shrubs.
• Deer Resistance: Often shows good deer resistance, though browsing can still occur where pressure is high.

Black Cat Pussywillow is a straightforward choice for big seasonal payoff and practical landscape performance. Give it sun, moisture, and enough space, and it will reward you with striking catkins and fast, useful growth. With simple renewal pruning, it stays productive for cutting and keeps a strong, clean presence in the landscape year after year.