Hardly any other deciduous tree has such impressive flowers as the willow. The velvety kittens are known to almost everyone. It is not uncommon for flowering willow branches to decorate numerous living rooms in spring at Easter. Incidentally, the willow is primarily used for this purpose because its flowers are particularly beautiful to look at. On this page you will find further interesting information about the flowering time and the typical appearance of the willow blossom.
When does the willow bloom and what characteristics does its flowering have?
The flowering period of the willow is mainly from April to May, with some species blooming as early as March. The characteristic catkin flowers attract insects such as bees and are available in male and female forms.
Features
- also called kittens
- hairy
- silvery-gray
- Differences between male and female flowers
- depending on the type of willow, silky, elongated or round
- appear before the flowers of other deciduous trees
- attract numerous insects
Male and female kittens
Pastures are generally dioecious. You will therefore find either only male or only female catkins on a tree. In some rare cases both sexes can be found on one tree. While the male catkins usually appear strikingly yellow, the female flowers have a rather inconspicuous appearance. The willow therefore relies on the wind or insects to reproduce.
Flowering time
Willows bloom before most other trees. The delicate kittens are therefore little messengers of spring. The branches of the willow are also often used as an Easter bush. Some willow species bloom as early as March. The flowers mainly appear from April to May.
Bee pastures
Willows attract many bees and insects. On the one hand, as already mentioned above, this is important for the reproduction of the tree. On the other hand, the animals also benefit from the early flowering pasture. Since hardly any other trees bloom at this time, they find a good source of nectar here.
