Japanese Pink Pussy Willow proper latin name is Salix gracilistyla 'Mt Aso'. It can sometimes be incorrectly named Salix chaenomeloides. Native to Japan, China and Korea the Pink Pussy Willow is ornamental and grown for its large dusty pink catkins which bloom in late winter and early spring. It's also known as "Red Bud Pussy Willow" for the bright vermillion colour of its dormant buds. This willow is quite small, it can grow 6 feet tall and large. However, in order to have a steady supply of branches which create these catkins it is best to cut the plant back to 1 or 2 feet above the ground every 2 to 3 years. Great for use in winter arrangements.
