SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salix caprea 'Pendula'

COMMON NAME: Kilmarnock Weeping Pussy Willow

GARDEN SIZE: 6-8 feet tall x 5-7 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate to fast

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, acidic soils but tolerates alkaline soils; good drainage, occasional flooding, wet conditions

HABIT (FORM): Upright, weeping, fountain-like cascading branches

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; medium to dark green leaves

FLOWERS: Furry silver catkins transitioning to bottlebrush-like yellow flowers; bloom in late winter to early spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Europe and Asia

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: May apply organic compost in the spring.

PRUNING: Prune to remove heavy branches to prevent breakage, but otherwise no pruning is necessary. If shaping is desired, willows may be trimmed during dormancy.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Can be mildly toxic to pets (salicylic acid)

USES: Specimen tree, erosion control on slopes, rain garden, riparian areas