Pussy Willow??

[Maggie Oneil]

Hi. Is this tree half dead? Or do I just need to prune it?

 

[KTSmith]

I don't know the phenology of the plant in Boise, but I doubt if the leaves would be out yet under the best of circumstances. Of course, the characteristic "pussy willows" are the emerging, yet immature, flowers, usually from the male plant. And these come out before the leaves. I suggest giving it some time before getting out the pruning shears. That might give you an opportunity to determine what you want from the plant.

 

[mrtree]

It is a willow of some type.

 

[Maggie Oneil]

I don't know what it is, but the branches sticking up have the characteristics of what I thought was a pussy willow... Grat little furry buds. And those branches sticking up look very healthy. The majority of the tree, however, doesn't have those grat furry buds. Even is summer. It has dry crusty leaves now.

 

[Maggie Oneil]

Here's a pictute

 

[Maggie Oneil]

And here.