BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for

Subject: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 02:45 PM

It's probably not as hard as finding good homes for real kittens, but my hybrid pussy willow bush/tree has been very prolific this year in putting out shoots replete with fuzzy little catkins.

I've cut a bunch of them and can cut a bunch more if the weather stays cool enough for another day.

[[History of the bush/tree.   It was bought as a "weeping pussy willow" bush back in 1981 and planted over the burial site of my dearly departed classic silver tabby, so she could 'live on' through it.   But it was a weeping pussy willow grafted onto a standard - full-size - pussy willow tree, and the standard pussy willow has sprouted, ever onward and upward, since then, behind the weeping part [which has bent over so far forward that I think it may sprout new roots at the other end.]]

I plan to cut down the standard part this year anyway, as it's too close to the house and shades my vegetable garden area.   Anything I can't give away (as firewood or as decorative catkin twigs) will be recycled as yard debris.   But I know that pussy willow twigs/branches are often used in "floral" displays and for other decorative crafts.

So I am wondering if anyone has any ideas as to how I could put these very pretty pussy willow 'sprays' together with people who would like to use them for arts and crafts, decorations, etc.

Genie

PS,
I've also heard that if you put a sprig from a pussy willow into the ground it will sprout roots and become a new bush. If that's true, does it have to be in the fall or at some other particular time of year?

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 03:56 PM

People bring truckloads of pussy willow branches to spring art fairs and other festivals in the south. The pussywillow sellers generally aren't officially affiliated with the festival, but what we call "scabs". They usually pay a business owner to let them set up in a parking lot near the festival site and they catch people coming in. At one art fair I exhibit at in Fairhope, Alabama, a guy brings in a semi trailer loaded with the things, and he sells out the first day of the show. It's pretty amazing to look down the street on Friday and see hundreds of people carrying bundles of pussywillow branches.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 04:16 PM

Genie, I have seen directions for starting roses by putting twigs in the ground. With the roses, we wait till late in fall, when the ground is wet and the sun is getting weak. Thrust several twigs in the ground (because most won't live) and cover them with a glass jar. Put a weight on the jar to keep it in place.

In the spring, see if they have rooted.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: maeve
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 05:47 PM

Willows do very well here in Maine just pushed into the moist spring earth. I use 8-10" pieces, pushed in 1/3 of the length. I cut the tops straight across above a bud, and the bottoms at a slant to be sure they stay right-side-up. That's how I planted my basket willow patch.

You can also soak willow twigs in water, then use the resulting brew to root other plants and to water cuttings in soil. This improves rooting.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 06:14 PM

Thanks for the tips, folks.   Maeve, that info about using willow-steeped water to help other plants take root is very interesting and likely to be quite helpful.

I did just post a "Free Stuff" ad on Craigslist to see if anyone in my area is interested in the cuttings (the ones with catkins).   There are probably schools and other organizations that do crafts that would like them, but I don't know of any quick way to contact them, so I hope Craigslist will do the trick.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Tig
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 06:35 PM

I'd love some pussy willow as we only seem to have the 'green' ones round here.

If you put some in a jar of water they self-root fairly easily so you could have some to plant where you want away from the house.

Hugs
Tig
xxx

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 07:45 PM

I can hear my nephew singing:
I know a little pussy
His coat is silver grey
He lives out in the meadow
He never runs away
Cus he's a pussy willow
Now what do you think of that?
Meow Meow Meow Meow
Meow Meow Meow SCAT!

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 08:05 PM

Tig, PM me your address and I will be glad to send you some cuttings.   I don't think that would be very hard to do (as long as you're in the US).

And I'll try that root-sprouting thing too (especially with the ones that I don't get cut until the catkins have started turning into cats).

Sins, ah yes, I remember that song well!

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 08:45 PM

Hi Genie ... rooting is very simple. This bush/tree is quite vigorous. Cut the stem at an angle, scarf the bark for a few inches above the cut, plant it in very moist soil and keep it moist. It shuld root easily in a few weeks. bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 09:23 PM

Q: If I plant the weeping pussy willow stems directly into the ground, will they grow as weeping pussy willows?

I'm wondering why the bush I bought was a graft of a weeping willow onto a non-weeping base.    Is there some reason you can't just eliminate the middle man, so to speak?

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Alice
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 10:38 PM

sign up at freecycle.org for your area

Post what you have to give away, and people will email to you if they want to pick up. I like freecycle.org much better than craigslist.

http://www.freecycle.org/

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 12:03 AM

We used to always go up on Casper Mountain in WY and cut fresh catkins for my mom each Spring. She loved them in a vase where they would dry and stay nice for quite a long time.

I'd love to start some here, but I think it is way too dry! Fun to read about them, though.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 01:13 AM

Thanks for reminding me of freecycle.org, Alice. I'd kind of forgotten about that site, but it's a great one!

Kat, the catkins really do last for a long time out of water. I have some in vases in my house that have been there for over 25 years.   The only problem is that they gather dust.
I think I need to replace them more often, just for that reason. : )

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Mr Red
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 05:41 AM

willow will sprout from virtually any cutting. in NZ it is an introduced species brought in as fence post which sprouted. So the story goes, they should have been planted upside down to prevent acting as a cutting. Though according to Joy (a gardner) it will sprout even if planted upside down.

I lopped the tops off trees in NZ and planted them (4 inch dia) to a depth of 2 ft. Within 2 days they had more vigourous budding than when on the top of the original trees.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 12:23 PM

Wow, I guess they really are hardy and prolific!

I still want to know about the grafting thing.   Will a weeping pussy willow cutting give rise to a weeping willow if it's planted, without any grafting being needed?

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: open mike
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 01:37 PM

the root stock will grow tru to the root stock
and the grafted scion will have the genetic
material of the plant it came from..so the
"top" branches--if the cuttings are taken
from branches that display the characterustics of the grafted plant.


All varieties of willow contain indolebutyric acid which is the active ingredient needed in a rooting hormone.

http://www.garden-helper.com/Articles/Make-Your-Own-Rooting-Hormone.asp

tig is in u.k.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 02:06 PM

Don't go propagating willows if you have a septic tank.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25342733.tip.html

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: open mike
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 02:27 PM

ditto on the freecycle recommendation, Alice.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 04:43 PM

Clickified: on planting willows near septic tanks and drainage pipes

Good info, Leeneia.   I think that settles it for me. I need to cut down the "bush" I planted over my kitty's graves (there are two buried there now), because that spot is right on top of my main water pipes into the house (or nearly so).   It's not a septic tank, and I'm not sure exactly where the sewer pipe is, but that's obviously not a good spot for a tree with a massive root system.

I actually thought the weeping pussy willow seemed to have shallow roots. That's why it basically tipped over forward as its top was growing to be thick.   But given that the regular willow part has shot up to my rooftop, I'm guessing that its roots may start giving me problems soon.   

I guess I need to start some new pussy willows out back, away from the house and away from the water pipes. Then I'll just grow roses or tomatoes where the kitties can fertilize them.

G

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Gurney
Date: 06 Mar 09 - 12:33 AM

Prolific is the word for an Oak that I have in the front garden. My son planted an acorn about 16 years ago, and this season up to now (early Autumn here) the tree has produced 1060 acorns and counting.

Hey, it's my wife who's collecting and counting them!

Mr Red, do you have a pig?

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Mar 09 - 03:39 AM

My pussy willow is a graft - allegedly a standard willow onto a minature graft. The info on the pot said it would never grow bigger than it already was.


Guess how big it is now.

It is still in the original pot which is placed at the margin of a pond so it's waterlogged for 9 months of the year and damp the rest, but I notice the branches it has put out in the last 2-3 years are twice the size of the previous ones. I suspect it has grown out of its pot and into the pond soil. When the pond empties I shall know it's burst through the plastic liner. I really ought to hoik it out and check but it's cold and wet in there!

If I were you Genie, I'd contact your local crafts centre or occupational therapists and ask if there are any basket weaving classes that might appreciate some willow when you prune it. You may also find their usual suppliers might appreciate some fresh plants.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 Mar 09 - 01:10 PM

You're very welcome, Genie.


I suspect that to get rid of that willow for good (after transplanting part of it), you will have to clip the branches, then paint them with straight brush killer.

Squeak, it's possible that the desirable, grafted-on, part of your willow has died and the rootstock is taking over. Since you note that the branches have changed size by 2 - 3 times...

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: GUEST,Kate
Date: 06 Mar 09 - 03:36 PM

I have been looking for some cuttings for a while now, but nobody seems to have them around me here in Oklahoma. Is there anyway I could pay for the s/h and get some of your lovely cuttings. I am at osukrazykate on yahoo.

Thanks,

Kate

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 06 Mar 09 - 07:17 PM

That shouldn't be a problem, Kate,
and I doubt the s/h would cost much, as the cuttings don't weigh a lot.   I'll PM you.

Good suggestions, LtS.   If I can find contact info for local crafts centers and OTs.
(I think if I keep my ad up at Craigslist I may eventually get some takers.)

Leneeia,
In my case I think it's going to be the root stock that'll be the devil to get rid of, as well as the part that will destroy my water pipes if I don't thoroughly remove it from its present location. The shoots from that original root stock are getting quite large (2-3 in. in diameter) and the branches with the catkins are pretty sturdy too.

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: GUEST,Kate
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 12:25 PM

I am not sure what 'PM' stands for, but if you are interested I could also send you some plants that I am thinning out. I am wanting to use your cuttings to build a living fence, and am really excited. Thank you again so much.

Kate

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 12:43 PM

"PM" means "personal message." I see you're posting as a guest. If you become a Mudcat member - a bargain at 10 times the price *g* - you can send and receive PMs.

And to become a member you can even give a fake name (e.g., "Genie") and any old e-dress you happen to have lying around.   I highly recommend it.

Anyway, later today I will send you an email and we can exchange real addresses and, hopefully, plants.

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Alice
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 01:54 PM

Warning!

Check on the Dept of Agriculture restrictions in your states regarding sending plants across state lines. To avoid diseases and other problems, there are regulations that protect the health of plants.

(I used to work in horticulture.)

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 07:17 PM

Yeah, Alice, it is important to find out which plants are potentially harmful to the ecology of your particular state or region.   Sometimes they can become invasive species.   Sometimes it doesn't matter - e.g., if the plant is a type that already grows in that area (e.g., roses, tomatoes). Very few of the plants in southern California are native, but not all of them are problematic.   

Good suggestion about checking with your state's dept. of agriculture.   (As for plant diseases, they can pose a problem even within a state or small geographic region. It's interesting that California doesn't allow people to bring in fruits or vegetables from other states by car but if you fly in, they don't check!)

There are many companies that ship seeds and plants all over the country (and beyond), but they probably have to deal with some restrictions on what can be sent where.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 04:22 AM

Same goes in the UK - there are several plants that cannot be planted due to their invasive growth and ability to adapt. One such plant is the Japanese knotweed. Introduced by the Victorians as mid height (3-4ft) ground cover in large parks and gardens, for its red stalks, green heart shaped leaves and white blossoms that provide seeds for tits and finches in autumn, it quickly acclimatised and spread like wildfire. It's against by-laws in some areas to plant this - particularly if you live in a National Park or area of outstanding natural beauty.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 04:24 AM

Genie - your local council should have an arbourialist if they have any parks. You could contact them for information about removing your root stump.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Tig
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 12:16 PM

Unfortunately I live in the UK - Yorkshire to be precise. Thanks for the thought though.

Love and hugs
xxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 04:32 PM

Tig, I don't know if there would be any prohibitions against importing pussy willows from the US to the UK, but I have a feeling it would be cheaper to order them from a commercial nursery than to pay the shipping from Oregon to the UK (complete with the type of packing necessary to keep them alive en route).

Within the US a small package can usually make it cross country in 2 or 3 days by normal mail or UPS, and small cuttings would not weigh much.

Another Q for you botanical gurus:   When taking a cutting from a pussy willow to start a new plant, how important is it to keep the cutting (the base) wet/moist until it's stuck into the ground?
E.g., the branches I cut earlier this week are on my porch and NOT in water, because I don't want the catkins to bloom.   These are intended mostly for arts and crafts use, but I'm curious as to whether they would still be usable for starting new plants after they've been sort of dryig out for a week or so.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: maeve
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 11:44 PM

I keep my willow cuttings wrapped in damp newspaper, in a plastic bag in the fridge. Same thing works for apple and pear scions for grafting. We have a cool cellar that also works well.

You would want to trim off and discard the part that has catkins and cut the rest into approx. 8" sections for rooting. Pencil size up to about 1/2" seems to work best for me.

As long as the cuttings are still limber you have a fair chance of getting them to root. The better you prepare and tend any hardwood or softwood cuttings the better they are likely to grow for you.

Have fun!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 07:18 AM

Yea - Keep the willow away from sewer pipes too.

if the pipes leak at all the willow will find the water and pull the pipes further apart. Then clog the aperture eventually. Roots would disturb the pipes and that might lead to the leak............

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: maeve
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 07:43 AM

Liz, we've just about gotten rid of the knotweed here on our farm. It was planted a couple of generations ago in this case, to "give Grandmother's chickens some shade" according to the elderly lady who grew up here.

The young shoots may be eaten like asparagus. We've dug and mown the patch to death.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: JohnB
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 11:14 AM

They wanted 10$ a bunch Pussy Willows in a store I was in the other day.
Those are Canadian Dollars though.
JohnB

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 03:13 PM

Yeah, but that's probably because they were Canadian pussy willows too.

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 08:50 AM

Maeve - did you take up the roots as well? I thought we'd mown and pulled ours into extinction (it was a creeper in from next door, under the fence) but every year another shoot would appear in the middle of the lawn or flower bed. It took 5 years to get rid of it - and then we moved!

My tiddly willow is starting to swell, I'm getting excited at having pussy willows in the house for Easter - if I can disuade the cat from eating them!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: maeve
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 09:08 AM

Yes, Liz. "We've dug and mown the patch to death." Dig up every shoot and root you see, then mow along with any lawn grass. You want to starve the energy out of the little darlings.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 04:56 PM

Interesting, but while the root stock of the straight pussy willow (which my weeper was grafted onto) has grown quite large, I have yet to see any shoots sprouting out except on the original trunk.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: maeve
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 10:20 PM

Sorry or any confusion, Genie- Liz and I were referring to the Japanese knotweed she mentioned here:

"Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Liz the Squeak - PM
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 04:22 AM

Same goes in the UK - there are several plants that cannot be planted due to their invasive growth and ability to adapt. One such plant is the Japanese knotweed... "

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Gurney
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 11:21 PM

Liz, if you introduce the noxious weed Water Hyacinth into your garden pond, the dog will have something to eat, too.

Next door's bull terrier cleared the lot from my pond.

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 11:59 PM

Well, I promise not to send anyone any wild morning glories, arum Italicum, alkanet (borage), butterfly bushes, Himalayan blackberries or kudzu. ; )

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: GUEST,Pam
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 11:21 PM

I would love a big bunch of pussy willow branches. Do you have interest in shipping to MA. How much do you think it might cost? Pam my email is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: Genie
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 11:42 PM

The cost would not be in the weight, it would be in the packaging to keep the branches from getting broken or losing their catkins.   

Of course, if you want cuttings to use for starting new plants, that's no problem and shouldn't cost more than a couple dollars for shipping.

I'll email you.

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Pussy willow branches to find homes for
From: bbtbjb
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 07:56 PM

You have a PM :)