pussy willow

American  

[poos-ee] / ˈpʊs i /

noun

1. a small willow, Salix discolor, of eastern North America, having silky catkins.

2. any of various similar willows.

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pussy willow British  

/ ˈpʊsɪ /

noun

1. a willow tree that produces silvery silky catkins, esp Salix caprea or S. cinerea in Britain or S. discolor in North America

2. any of various similar willows

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Etymology

Origin of pussy willow

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

And forced bulbs fill the toughest slot in the calendar, when the garden may not offer much more than a pussy willow branch.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 20, 2023

One of the easiest plants to harvest is the pussy willow.

From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2021

After-dinner cordials may include a sharply bitter infusion of kumquats and pussy willow, or a strange, fragrant concoction of Italian bitter-almond liqueur and funky Pineau des Charentes from the area where Cognac is made.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2016

"For example, it was always thought they were dependent on ancient oak woodland. In fact the caterpillars feed on sallow - or pussy willow - thicket."

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2015

A large vase of cut pussy willow stalks had been tipped over and shattered, with shards of broken crockery and stray catkins everywhere.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood