Earlier in March, I cut a few branches from my pussy willow shrub and brought them inside. The warmth of the house quickly turned the silvery white pillows of the catkins into yellow caterpillar creatures. They seem so alive, they almost appear to be moving and twisting towards the sun.
When the honey bees are lured out of their hive on a sunny winter day, pussy willows provide the first pollen of the season.
They seem to draw the sun’s light into their little furry bodies and keep growing and expanding. Boldly, they lead the way, undaunted by howling winds or snow that covered the first crocuses and daffodil greens, until yesterday.
Beautiful photos Annette. I hadn’t paid attention to the beautiful details of a pussy willow blossom. Thanks!
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I had not paid much attention until I brought them inside and got to see them up close!
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I’m glad you did for both of us to appreciate the details! 🙂
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They are so beautiful. emitting the colour of sun..
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Yes, such a surprising sunny quality to them….
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So lovely 🙂
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Gorgeous, cheer-making shots, Annette. Happy spring!
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Finally, spring! Hope you’re getting a chance to get your hands in the soil, Tish 🙂
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Already have dirt under the finger nails 🙂
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nice….that’s when we know we have survived winter!
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We had pussy willows at my childhood home. I enjoyed them every year. I love the photos of the opened blossoms with the pollen. Thanks for bringing back a wonderful memory.
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My pleasure, Donna.
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Wow! These are magical photos!
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Thank you, Michael. Come to think of it, aren’t willows said to have some kind of magical powers? I know hazel twigs are used for locating water sources, what do you know about willows?
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Magic pictures! I will definitely go outside and look closer at the ones growing in my yard!
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Yes, definitely worth a close look, Claudia.
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Beautiful…they really do look like caterpillars.
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First, they impersonate soft kitties, then caterpillars 🙂
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I think in german language they are called Palmkaetzchen, it that rings a bell to you. Thank you for sharing such detailed beauty
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I don’t remember, would have to use my dictionary 🙂 …just don’t tell anyone.
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Always a welcome sign of Spring. Our local country store has them but i think they are not local yet.
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Strangely, the grey catkins appeared back in December, I believe. But the (outdoor) bloom happened in late Feb/early March. Anything that shows a sign of life is welcome around this time of year 🙂
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What an odd plant! Thanks for sharing!
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It IS very unusual. Which other plant would flower in the middle of winter?!
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