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Growing on the High Plains: Pussy Willows

Are you in the market for a little feline companionship? Perhaps some silver, furry buds to bring joy to your life? But maybe a friend that won’t sharpen its claws on the edges of your furniture or sit on your head at 4:00 a.m. begging for food?

On today’s Growing on the High Plains, we’re talking about another early-spring bloomer: the pussy willow! Though it’s fluffy catkins won’t purr, they’ll bring just as much feckless enjoyment to your home, inside and out.

Pussy willows are adept growers, even here in our arid High Plains climate. They’ll propagate wildly if left unattended. For best results, it’s recommend to provide ample water and prune them yearly after buds form—and décor lovers should definitely bring those trimmings indoors for an architectural pop to cut floral arrangements. Gardeners, beware, though: these plants love moisture, so keep all mature “puss n’ roots” away from water lines where they have been known to be particularly destructive. 

Historically, willow bark was revered in ancient cultures for its medicinal applications – and it’s still used today in a common pharmaceutical. Listen to the clip to find out what!

Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.