Black Pussywillow is usually Salix gracistyla ‘Melanostachys’, an absolutely
gorgeous shrub or small tree; they're similar to Rosegold Pussywillow (Salix
gracistyla) except that winter stems take on a wine-black color and the
catkins which bloom in March are a purple black often with a magenta streak,
and as they mature, yellow pollen is sprinkled over the surface giving the
look of a ”Wooly Bear Caterpillar”. Both the Rosegold and Black Pussy
willows make a showy winter – spring combination with their gold and
wine-black stems and rosy silver and purple black catkins intertwined
together. Ideal for any wet or damp hard to plant areas.

As bonsai, careful attention would have to be given to moisture.

David J. Bockman, Fairfax, VA (USDA Hardiness Zone 7)
Bunabayashi Bonsai On The World Wide Web: http://www.bunabayashi.com
email:


-----Original Message-----
From: Internet Bonsai Club ]On Behalf
Of Allen
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2004 4:28 PM
To:
Subject: [IBC] Black pussywillows for bonsai ?


A nursery near me has several "Black Pussywillows" in 3 gal pots that
they're going to let go cheap ... I've never heard of these for
bonsai, so i didn't leap on them. I got a nice ilex deciduosa and an
odd boxwood though. Any words of encouragement or discouragement on
the Black Pussywillow ?

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