The catkins of hazel fall like golden showers in spring; the catkins of willow are popularly known as pussy willow. But what about these?
The crimson catkins od the black poplar tree: 28 March 2019
Black Poplar is one of my favourites. Soon the leaves will appear, as fresh and sweet as the beech, with the autumnal tints of the oak.
crispina kemp 
My favourites are the pussy willows… but these, these are quite wow!
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I know. I couldn’t believe it the first time I saw them. Of all the trees our farmers planted in their hedgerows, the Block Poplar is seldom seen. But the Lord of Burlingham Hall, back in the day, had a passion for them. Now they fringe many of the fields I pass through on my way to Blofield Heath.
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Wonder why? Is it just not a nice-looking tree? difficult to maintain? doesn’t grow fast enough? not one of the popular kids?
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It’s fantastically coloured in spring/early summer. It just lost popularity. Maybe there was no call for it’s timber; less versatile than the mainstays of oak, willow and elm.
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Hmm. Interesting. Funny how that happens, eh?
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Yea. I read somewhere it had lost popularity, but no reason given. I reckon it has to do with its timber. Farmers didn’t plant trees cos we townies find them pretty.
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Who would have thought there was a popularity contest for trees!
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Yea, though I don’t suppose they have to show their knees. Could be gnarly.
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hahaha!
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🙂
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I’ve never seen these, but I love Pussy Willows, which I have never had the delight of seeing since my youth in Ohio… Sweet remembrance.
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Well, depending on results of next camera-excursion, there might be pussy-willows next week. Indeed, I might feature several of the willows. I’m accumulating them. 🙂
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One of mine too Crispina, we have two venerable old poplars in the park at the end of the road.
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Lucky … I have to go hike to find them. Okay, so within a 10 mile radius, after I get off the bus!
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Interesting, I didn’t know their name before 🙂
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I have to admit, when I first saw the trees looking autumnal in their late-spring leaf, (those young leaves have a distinct reddish blush) I had no idea what their name. I had to hunt for it in my field guide. The following year I saw the catkins, Wow!
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Absolutely wow 🙂
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🙂
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I learned a new word today: catkin! Apparently the word comes from the Dutch for kitten, because they resemble kitten’s tails: very cute. These look more regal than the word would imply though, more like furry cocoons of some magical insect.
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I could be posting more catkins before the month’s out. Thinking of featuring willow catkins. So many varieties and all slightly different
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