Rosegold pussy willow, Japanese pussy willow, Neko-yanagi
Salix gracilistyla
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 3-4.5 m high and spreads 3-4.5 m wide. The leaves are oblong and 10 cm long. The flower catkins appear before the leaves. The male catkins are red and later orange, then yellow. The female catkins are silky grey.
There are about 300 Salix species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea
How it is used for food
The young leaves and flowers are parboiled and eaten as a vegetable. The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
Edible parts
Inner bark, leaves, leaves - tea