Pussy Willow Shrub

The big beautiful pussy willow shrub (Salix discolor) is now blooming in our front yard.  We planted it years ago.  Even though the deer love to rub on it, it has grown really big.  This makes it difficult to cut and bring in stems, I have to get out the ladder.    But,  it is also nice to  just stand underneath the big bush and look up at the blooming flowers.   Male and female flowers are produuced on seperate plants.  The males being more ornamental than the females. The flowers are gray and very silky to the touch.  As the pollen ripens the flowers will turn yellow.