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Salix gracilistyla Melanostachys

Black Pussy Willow

The male catkins emerge purple-black in colour with bright red anthers before turning yellow. An attractive and curious shrub with finely toothed, dark green leaves with silver-green undersides. The purple-black stems are very distinctive in the winter landscape.

  • »  Male catkins open to black with bright red anthers, before turning yellow
  • »  Ovate, dark green, finely toothed leaves are silver-green on the undersides
  • »  Purplish-black stems are attractive in the winter
  • »  Bloom Time: March to April

3gal Low Inventory
$38.19
  • Category:Shrubs
  • Hardiness Zone:4
  • Height:175-200 cm
  • Spread:200-250 cm
  • Bloom Color: Near-black
Exposure
• Full Sun
Soil Moisture
• Moist to Wet Soils
• Moist to Average
Growth Rate
• Medium
Attributes
• Catkins
• Cut Flower/Foliage
• Deciduous
Flowering Time
• Spring
Habit
• Rounded
• Upright
Foliage Color
• Green (dark)
Landscape uses
• Woodland/woods edge
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Additional Information about Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys'

Winner of the Royal Horticulture Society Award of Garden Merit.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys'

Black pussy willow grows best in a medium to wet soil, in full sun. Grown for its attractive black catkins, and its purplish-black stems for winter interest. Good specimen for the home landscape. Use as a screen, in low spots, or along ponds and streams.