The “paws” of American pussy willows (Salix discolor) are molting now. Only the male plants grow these furry catkins, which protect their flowers’ pollen-producing stamens from cold and other elements. As the days warm, the fur disappears, and the flowers’ stamens emerge with their pollen grain heads.
The wind takes the pollen on flights that, if nature’s plan works, will result in some grains reaching the waiting ovules of female pussy willows, enabling them to produce fertile seeds. Each male pussy willow plant will produce millions of pollen grains to try to beat the reproduction odds and drive allergic people crazy. (Image taken in Brooklin, Maine, on April 24, 2022.)