I recognized the Pussy Willow shrub with its soft furry-like Catkins. Alongside of Lake Julian in Asheville was an appropriate place for this water-loving shrub. Catkins on Pussy Willows appear before leaves bud; they are early flowering shrubs. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergWhat appeared to be coming from the same shrub were brown seed baring clusters. It turns out they were another kind of Catkin from a different plant. Here’s a definition of Catkins. Meow! Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergThese Catkins are from an Alder shrub. They appear also before the season’s leaves arrive on this plant. Seeds are dispursed from the Catkins in early spring. These Catkins do not encourage me to touch them; they lack the soft furs of Pussy Willows. Copyright 2025 Pamela Breitberg
