A multi stemmed larger shrub known for its soft velvety catkins that appear before it leafs out. One of the first willow catkins to appear in the spring. Catkins are often used in flowers arrangements. Summer foliage is green that has a nice full upright habit. This deciduous shrub will grows to around 20 feet and can be pruned to control size and promote new growth. Prefers Full sun in moist soils. It provides food for songbirds and small mammals and is also the larval host for Viceroy  and mourning cloak butterfly.