noun
rosegold pussy willow
A species of willow native to East Asia, known for its silvery catkins that appear in early spring. Often used in ikebana and as a seasonal motif.
春になると、ネコヤナギのふわふわした花穂が顔を出す。
In spring, the fluffy catkins of the rosegold pussy willow appear.
生け花にネコヤナギを使うと、早春の雰囲気
Using rosegold pussy willow in ikebana creates an early-spring atmosphere.
The name 猫柳 (cat willow) comes from the resemblance of its silvery catkins to a cat's tail. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.