Pussy Willows Along Wascana Lake, Regina

Pussy willows © SB

Pussy willows — pearly catkins on Salix willow branches  — are a lovely sign of spring.

When I walked around Wascana Lake in Regina, Saskatchewan, this week, several shrubs were in full fuzzy bloom.

And so, for those who don't have access to pussy willows, with their soft kittenlike fur, here are a few pictures of Saskatchewan willow branches.

These catkins form on several kinds of willows; Salix discolour is the native plant, but I don't know if that's what the city or university planted around the lake, or whether these silky white blossoms are emerging on other kinds of willows.

But they are lovely, by any formal scientific name. And those of us who picked them when we were children, still remember the joy of discovery, and that soft fuzz between our fingers....

Pussy willow branch,
against the shores of Wascana Lake © SB

Close up of Pussy willows. © SB

Prairie Wildflower: Pussy Willows. (Salix discolor is the native willow plant)

Location: Along Wascana Lake, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Photo Dates: May 7, 2013.

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