Medicinal Monday - The Fuzzy Charm of Pussy Willows: A Sign of Renewal

Although most of us associate Pussy Willows with the arrival of spring, these delightful shrubs are much more than a seasonal icon. They serve as symbols of growth, renewal, and prosperity—and even hold a prominent place in Lunar New Year celebrations, where they embody the promise of good fortune.

The distinctive fuzzy silver nubs, or catkins, are what make the Pussy Willow so enchanting. Interestingly, the term "catkin" originates from the Dutch word kattenken, meaning kitten—perhaps a nod to their resemblance to the soft fur of a cat's tail. But did you know that birch and beech trees also produce catkins? Beyond their visual appeal, Pussy Willows hold a rich cultural and ecological significance. Willow trees, in general, have been highly valued by Native Americans, fulfilling both practical and medicinal purposes.

About Pussy Willows

Scientifically known as Salix discolor, Pussy Willows are native to the northern and eastern parts of North America, including Connecticut. These shrubs are multi-stemmed, fast-growing, and can reach up to 30 feet tall. To maintain their vigor, they are often cut to the ground every three to five years to rejuvenate their growth. Pussy Willows are dioecious, meaning male and female catkins grow on separate plants. Only the male catkins bloom into flowers. Even when they bloom, they don't really look like flowers because they have no petals, showy colors, or fragrance. Female catkins are smaller and green in color. The soft coating on the catkins serves as insulation, protecting the buds from harsh weather. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed capsules that release cottony seeds, floating gracefully on the wind. Pussy Willows thrive in wetlands and moist woods across North America, making them a vital part of the ecosystem.

Cultural Uses

The branches of Pussy Willow shrubs have long been prized by indigenous communities. Their flexible branches have been traditionally used by Native American communities to craft a variety of tools and everyday items, such as baskets, nets, ropes, fishing traps, hunting tools, and even snowshoe frames. But the Pussy Willow’s versatility doesn’t stop there. It even played a significant role in cooking! Communities would tie meat or fish to willow stems and roast them over open flames. The bark was also used to clean pitch from bark canoes.

Medicinal Uses - Nature's Aspirin

The bark of Pussy Willows contains salicin, a compound that’s similar to acetylsalicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin). For centuries, Native American communities have harnessed this plant’s medicinal properties and made  tea from bark to relieve pain, headaches, and muscle soreness. The Algonquin used an infusion of young branches to

start lactation and they also made a paste made from the inner bark and applied externally it to ease

a sore throat. The Blackfoot made an infusion of young twigs and took it to reduce fevers and pain.

The Cree made an infusion of the inner bark to treat diarrhea; while the Iroquois used an infusion

of bark to treat tuberculosis and hemorrhoids. The Ojibwa used the shrub to treat a variety of

gastrointestinal issues and as a sedative. The Potawatomi used the roots to stop hemorrhages.

Did You Know...?

The genus name Salix comes from Latin and translates to willow, while "discolor" refers to the leaves with different upper and lower colors.

Pussy Willows are wildlife superstars, hosting 289 species of butterflies and moths, such as the Viceroy and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

They rely on bees and honeybees for pollination, as their flowers are not wind-pollinated.

Woodpeckers depend on Pussy Willows during winter for food.

Pussy Willows have also been cultivated to feature a variety of dazzling catkin colors—including black, pink, and even rose gold! 

Pussy Willows are celebrated worldwide, especially in Polish Easter Monday traditions. These observances are particularly prominent in areas like Buffalo, New York, where they hold strong cultural significance.

Medicinal Monday... Ivy: A Timeless Symbol of Tradition, Nature, and Medicine

Ivy has been intertwined with human traditions for centuries, dating back to pre-Christian celebrations.

During winter solstice festivals, it adorned wreaths and decorations, symbolizing resilience and life’s

endurance through the harsh winter months. For Native American communities, ivy held a different

kind of value—its medicinal properties made it a key ingredient in various remedies, offering healing

and relief.

photo credit Kallerna

About Ivy

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine originally introduced as an ornamental plant for its lush, dark green foliage. While visually appealing, it’s now classified as an invasive species in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Growing up to 90 feet with proper support, it spreads rapidly, smothering native plants, degrading wildlife habitats, and contributing to soil erosion. In the U.S., English Ivy thrives in mixed forests and urban areas, particularly in Connecticut, Massachusetts, the mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and the Pacific Northwest. Young leaves are lobed, while mature leaves on woody stems become broad and unlobed. It blooms yellow-green flowers, typically from late spring to autumn, and bears dark purple fruits in the fall. The fruits contain stone-like seeds and are mildly toxic to humans and some animals. The plant spreads primarily through stem rooting but can also reproduce via seeds.

photo credit Kenraiz

Medicinal Uses

Historically, ivy has been a go-to remedy for a variety of ailments. Native communities used ivy

infusions to soothe skin irritations like hives and reduce swelling. It was also brewed to ease

colds and bronchial discomfort. Additionally, ivy washes were applied to slow-healing wounds

and sores, showcasing its versatility as a natural healer.

Robert Faust

Did You Know...

It has been documented that Ivy was first documented in Virginia around 1800.

English ivy is pollinated by a wide variety of insects  including bees, flies, and butterflies, providing nectar during seasons when few other plants bloom.

The fruit of English Ivy contains glycosides that is mildly toxic to humans and some animales. 

It is illegal to sell or plant English Ivy in Oregon.The term “Ivy League” originated in 1933, referencing the “ivy-covered halls” of elite universities. The league officially formed in 1956, beginning with a football game between Penn and Princeton.

Though ivy is beloved for its beauty and historical symbolism, its invasive nature poses significant ecological challenges, making it both a source of admiration and caution.

Hedra is Greek and refers to grasping roots and helix refers to a winding or spiral shape.

Gourd Ornament Workshop @ Institute for American Indian Studies December 21

 Discover the traditional art of gourd crafting at an in-person workshop on Saturday, December 21 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies located in Washington, Connecticut. Gourds have been a staple in the Americas for over 8,000 years, serving various purposes from rattles and drink ware, to birdhouses and drums. Today, they shine as unique decorative pieces like vases and ornaments.

Now it is your turn to transform a gourd into a stunning ornament. Join the IAIS educators for an enjoyable weekend workshop where you'll dive into the fascinating world of gourds and create a unique, eye-catching ornament to take home. This isn't just any craft session—it's a hands-on adventure with wood burning tools, recommended for participants aged 7 and up.

 

Hurry, space is limited! Secure your spot by pre-registering on our website https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/21315. Participation Fee (including materials): $10 for IAIS Members; $20 for Non-Members. For more information, questions or to pre-register events@iaismuseum.org.

 

Ignite your creativity and make this holiday season truly memorable!

 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits, and a replicated 16^th century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains and extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two eyed seeing,” visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates the more than 12,000 -year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

Medicinal Monday... An Evergreen Legacy

The Taxus canadensis, known as the Canadian or American Yew, is a remarkable needled evergreen shrub celebrated for its lush green foliage and bright red berries. Its unmistakable festive appearance has long associated it with the Christmas season, evoking the spirit of joy and tradition. Found throughout Connecticut and across New England, this shrub is native to central and eastern North America. However, its legacy extends far beyond its ornamental beauty—it holds a deep connection to the traditions and innovations of Indigenous communities.

Photo credit Harlan B. Herbert

American Yew: A Closer Look

The American Yew belongs to the Pinales order, sharing family ties with conifers like pine, juniper, fir, and spruce. Preferring partial to deep shade and moist, cool soil, this shrub thrives along streams, ponds, and bogs. Its modest stature rarely exceeds five feet in height, but it can spread to eight feet wide, forming beautiful green carpets in the forest understory.

Key features include:

• Leaves and Needles: Flat, single needles that cannot be rolled.
• Berries: Female plants produce red, cup-shaped berries in summer, each containing a single seed surrounded by a red aril.
• Strobili (Cones): Male strobili are oval and yellow, while female strobili resemble buds with brown-green scales.

Note: While the berries are technically edible, the seeds inside are highly toxic, so caution is advised.

photo credit Ayotte, Gilles

A Natural Healer: Traditional Medicinal Uses and More

For centuries, Native American communities have unlocked the healing properties of the American Yew. Indigenous groups such as the Abanki, Algonquin, Chippewa, Menominee, Micmac, Montagnais, Penobscot, and Iroquois used the shrub in a variety of innovative ways:

• Abanki and Algonquin (Quebec): Infusions of the leaves were used to treat rheumatism and to reduce post-childbirth swelling.
• Chippewa and Menominee: Created herbal steams and decoctions of the twigs to alleviate rheumatism and stomach aches.
• Micmac: Relied on the plant for pain relief after childbirth, to treat fevers, and for its bark's ability to address gastrointestinal issues.
• Montagnais: Brewed the plant to combat weakness and fever, and even used its leaves to produce a green dye.
• Penobscot: Infused twigs to treat colds, and used the leaves as a diuretic.
• Iroquois: Ingeniously fermented the berries in water and maple water to create a unique "beer."

photo Ayotte, Gilles

Did You Know?

It’s also known as ground hemlock.

It serves as a year-round food source for moose and white-tailed deer.

Despite its prevalence in New England, it is considered extremely rare in Rhode Island.

Although it may resemble a Balsam Fir, the American Yew can be distinguished by its pointed needles (versus the flat ones of the Balsam Fir).

The shrub contains taxanes, compounds that have been pivotal in cancer research.