No plant heralds in the spring season better than the Pussy Willow with its young catkins that emerge on the first warm days. These plants are some of the earliest pollen and nectar sources for our pollinating insects and help them regain their strength after the long winter months. Native to temperate Asia, Pussy Willows are easily managed shrubs for border areas in the garden landscape. Once flowering is complete, plants can be pruned to the desired size and shape without disrupting the next season’s bloom. Pink Pussy Willow (Salix chaenomeloides ‘Mt Asama’) has catkins that emerge a light pink. In this early stage they are much sought after for cut flower arrangements.