Pussy Willow (Catkins) growing near a watery ditch. The American pussy willow (Salix discolor), native to northern North America

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Before the male catkins of these species come into full flower they are covered in fine, grayish fur, leading to a fancied likeness to tiny cats, also known as “pussies”. The catkins appear long before the leaves, and are one of the earliest signs of spring. At other times of year trees of most of these species are usually known by their ordinary names.

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Size: 3168px × 4752px
Location: Kingston, Ontario Canada
Photo credit: © Aubrey Huggins / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: april, branch, bud, catkin, catkins, decoration, green, nature, outdoors, plant, pollen, pussy, salix, season, seasonal, spring, springtime, symbol, tree, twig, white, willow, yellow