The pussy willow branches, placed in water and displayed on my mantel, thrived for weeks. The lengths below the water line rooted, and the catkins grew and developed fuzzy yellow pollen. The catkins had a life of their own, dropping from the branches onto the floor, becoming toys for my cat to play with in the middle of the night.
Today I potted one branch up to plant as a tree in the backyard.
The tips are already growing leaves, and I have high hopes I won’t have to buy branches next year to force indoors, but will have a supply of my own to use.
MINDING MY P'S WITH Q 
Such a sweet outcome. What are these pussy willows, Kathy ?
Are they cotton buds ?
Why are they sold in stores?
Susie
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Hi Susie, yes it was a sweet outcome. I am hoping the tree will continue to grow potted, and next year I will have free branches. They aren’t cotton, they are just fuzzy little buds that are the forerunner of the leaves. Wherever there is a bud, and then the catkin, there will a branch or sprig of leaves afterwards. They are sold in stores in the wintertime to remind everyone that Spring is really on the way! Thanks for stopping by Susie…it was good to talk with you. Kathy
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I truly hope you plant continues to mature. I was always taught never to root in water since their roots are so thin and fragile. For security just cut off a healthy branch flush and put in soil. Needs light but should also grow into a nice bush or very tall tree depending how you prune. They really get a growth spurt after 3 years.
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I had one years ago from cuttings. It grew so tall and unattractive we finally cut it back. If this one takes I will be more careful to keep it at a manageable size. I can believe the rotting flush in the soil. I’ve had trellises I’ve fashioned from cut away junk trees sprout at the buds.
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