Feature Article April 29, 2004
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Willows
The pussys are out! One of the early signs of spring is the emergence of the furry flower catkins of the willows, and these can be encouraged to emerge earlier if cuttings are taken and brought into the house as a bouquet. Legend calls the willow the tree of love and wands made from the wood are thought to give the holder magic powers. The willow is thought to be a guardian against evil and will bring protection and love into a home. Healing potions have been made from the bark as long ago as 400 B.C.
Yes, the catkins are emerging, but dont be fooled. The flowers are not in bloom until the emergence of the yellow stamens or pistils of the individual flowers. The catkin is a group of these tiny flowers, and those on one shrub or tree will be male, and on another of the same species the female. And while we usually call all pussy willows when we see these, there may be several different species that look very similar. The one correctly called Pussy Willow, Salix discolour, will probably be the first to bloom.
There are about 75 different species of willows in Canada, not counting the introduced species, or the hybrids that have been developed. Many can be readily identified as a willow by the long, narrow leaves, but it can be very difficult to separate the species as there can be individual variation, some very small significant differences, and hybridisation, which complicates the task. Most are shrubs, though the Black Willow sometimes can be a huge tree. In the arctic, the Arctic Willow can be only inches high. The well-known Weeping Willow with its weeping mantle of drooping branches is not native.
Because many willows reproduce easily (cut off a branch in the spring and stick it in the ground and it will take root) and grow best in moist soil they can be valuable for controlling erosion of stream banks. While most species are too small for the wood to be important, some are used for basket making, while those large enough can be used for fuel, charcoal or posts. Many animals and birds eat the twigs, buds, leaves or fruit of the various willows, and the spreading root system of the Black Willow in particular can be an attractive nesting site for ducks.
Enjoy the catkins as signs of spring, outside or in a bouquet. And when finished with the bouquet dont throw out the water in the vase - use it and the nutrients it contains to feed your houseplants!
Observations: Helm, in Oconto, heard a Spring Peeper on April 9, and had 2 Great Horned Owls being harassed by crows midday on the 11th. The Chorus Frogs are calling and east of Maberly, a Pileated Woodpecker is busy excavating a nesting site in a Hydro pole. Share what you have seen. Contact Jean at 268-2518; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
