The Legend of the Pussy Willow

‘Tis the season of pussy willow- that darling springtime branch with white velveteen buds that heralds the beginning of springtime. Formally known as Salix Discolor, the pussy willow is native to North America and thrives along the banks of streams and rivers. The fuzzy greyish white nub is the flower bud; the soft coating of hairs acts as insulation to protect these early bloomers from cold temperatures.

When fully bloomed, the pussy willow blossom fluffs out in a yellow coat- pollen, of course! Such flowers are called catkins, also named for cats, from katteken, the old Dutch word for kitten. Catkins are wind-pollinators; they use the wind to spread their pollen as opposed to the butterflies and bees. Other trees and shrubs, such as birch and beech, also produce catkins.

There are many fables and stories related to the pussy willow. A Native American legend tells of a rabbit that climbed to the top of a willow tree one particularly snowy winter. Tired after his climb, he nestled into the treetop and slept the winter away. In the spring thaw, he woke and as he jumped down, bits of his fuzzy tail clung to the tree. From that day on willow buds feature a tiny bit of fur in honor of one of springs busiest creatures, the rabbit. A favorite fable is the Polish tale of riverside willows saving a family of drowning kittens. A poem by Dot McGinnis recounts the harrowing story:

A Polish legend tells the tale,
of tiny kittens, oh so frail.

Along the river’s edge they chased.
With butterflies, they played and raced.

They came too close to the river’s side,
and thus, fell in. Their mother cried.

What could she do but weep and moan?
Her babies’ fate were yet unknown.

The willows, by the river, knew
just what it was that they must do;

They swept their graceful branches down
Into the waters, all around.

To reach the kittens was their goal;
A rescue mission, hears and soul.

The kittens grasped the branches tight.
The willows saved them from their plight.

Each springtime since, the story goes,
Willow branches now wear clothes.

Tiny fur like buds are sprung
where little kittens had once clung.

And that’s the legend, so they claim,
How Pussy Willows got their name!

The Sacred Heart Review, a Catholic newspaper published in Boston from 1888-1918, published a fascinating story dated April 11, 1896:

We invite you to bring a bit of this charming springtime folklore into your home - it’s a classic way to greet the season of rebirth. Happy early springtime wishes from Fruit and Flower!