It’s Pussy Willow Season in NH; Here’s What to Look For

Ah yes! A sure fire way to know that springtime is here in NH is when the Pussy Willows are budding along the roadways and marshes. Here's how to identify them!

Basically you're looking for a Q-Tip tree. The best hunting ground for the 'Salix Caprea' is any marshy area that gets a lot of direct sunlight. I know that sounds contradictory but if you search long enough there's a good chance you'll locate some.

From a distance, they really don't jump out at you unless you're focused and determined. The white fluffy buds (proper name catkins) are only found towards the very top of the tree. I was on tippy toes with my clippers harvesting from this 12 footer.

DON'T PUT THEM IN WATER!

I know that makes no sense. A plant that lives in marshland gets ruined when you put them in water? It's best to just let them dry and you can enjoy them for years.

Shout out to my Ma for clipping the monstrosity that I put on our kitchen table and arranging them into nice bouquets for Sarah and Karen.