Is There A Disease Affecting Pussy Willows

Question From: G. TISCHLER - Greenwich, Connecticut, United States
Q: DEAR NANCY. EVERY SPRING I HAVE BEEN HARVESTING PUSSY WILLOW BRANCHES FOR OUR HOME FROM A LARGE FIELD IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY N.Y. THERE WERE MANY BUSHES AND BLOOMS, BUT IN THE LAST TWO SPRING SEASONS I HAVE SEEN ONLY DEAD PUSSY WILLOW BUSHES AND MAYBE A FEW SICKLY SURVIVORS. I HAVE EXPLORED MANY OTHER SITES AND THE FIND THE SAME SITUATION. IS THERE A BLIGHT OR SOME OTHER REASON FOR THE DECLINE? THANKS GEORGE

A: There are diseases that attack willows. I have not read about an unusual outbreak. However here's the contact info for a person who may be able to give you more information about the situation in your area. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.

Founded in 1875 Putting science to work for society Dr. Sharon M. Douglas Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station 123 Huntington Street, P. O. Box 1106 New Haven, CT 06504 Phone: (203) 974-8601 Fax: (203) 974-8502 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ct.gov/caes