Willow, Black Cat

Description

Willows are dioecious, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrubs growing up to 15’ tall. Before foliage emerges, male plants display showy, grey, silky catkins, while females’ results are green and less showy. Male selections are recommended for ornamental use. Long, medium green leaves create an open, fine-textured shrub. The Black Cat cultivar is a hybrid that produces larger, black catkins in late winter with potential for natural occurrence. They prefer moist-wet, well-drained soils in full sun, but can tolerate some shade and a variety of soils, except for very dry conditions. Prune in late winter and can be cut back to the ground every 3-5 years to maintain size and form. Often used as specimen plantings or screenings.Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.