Here we have a few close-up pictures of Pussy Willows.
They remind me of Q-tips cotton swabs. The name is applied to the North American native deciduous shrub, Salix discolor.
Just before the end of Winter, fuzzy nubs start to appear. These soft silver mounds are actually flowers just before they fully bloom. The soft coating of hairs protects these early bloomers from cold temperatures.
This Pussy Willow is a miniature version.
My wife planted it when her Dad passed away.
It was one of her Dad's favorite plants.
This version is a Weeping Pussy Willow.
It is very different than the wild ones we see hear in Upstate NY.
The wild version of this bush stands much taller
and the branches stay vertical,
sometimes reaching a height of 10 feet or more.
If the grandkids are in town
when these ultra-soft flowers appear,
they will pick some and bring them home to show their friends.
Here is a picture of the Pussy Willow bush from afar.
There you have it, close-ups. The #POBphotocontest is run by 