Mt. Asama Pussy Willow

Mt. Asama Pussy Willow (Salix gracilistyla �Mt. Asama�)

Mt. Asama Pussy Willow (Salix gracilistyla �Mt. Asama�) is a unique deciduous shrub also known as Mount Asama Willow. This ornamental selection is prized for its early-season display of large, velvety catkins that emerge deep pink and silver before most plants break dormancy. Compact and showy, it brings color and texture to winter gardens and makes an excellent cut-branch feature for seasonal arrangements.

Distinctive Features

Mt. Asama grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded, multi-stemmed habit. Its standout feature is its oversized catkins, which appear in late winter to early spring. They emerge rich pink with silver tips and gradually shift to soft silver-gray as they mature. The blooms open well ahead of leaf-out, offering strong late-winter interest. Foliage is narrow and deep green, turning soft yellow in fall. Its stems are also attractive when cut for floral use.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained to wet soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate to high; performs best with consistent moisture
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in seasonal gardens or shrub borders
• Cut branches for indoor arrangements or floral displays
• Accent near water features or rain gardens
• Pollinator-friendly addition to wildlife gardens
• Massed in moist lowland areas or naturalized beds

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune after flowering to shape or rejuvenate older stems
• Cut flowering stems in winter for early floral use
• Water regularly during establishment and dry periods
• Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Renew growth every few years with hard pruning

Why Choose Mt. Asama Pussy Willow

• Striking pink and silver catkins bloom before leaf-out
• Compact form fits well in small gardens or borders
• Excellent source of early floral color and texture
• Thrives in moist soils and supports early pollinators
• A bold focal point for late-winter and early-spring interest

Mt. Asama Pussy Willow adds bold, early-season color and structure to the garden. Its vivid catkins, compact size, and seasonal charm make it a standout focal point for both landscape and floral use.