Please ID this interesting willow has pussy willows in the spring it grows slowly but it drops and drags on the ground doesn't appear to want to support it own weight. Now it has two more flower type things. The large green one almost looks like a green rose, the other is pussy willow like. It just appeared one day it most have came in with the sod but strangly enough it is in the same place as my actual pussy willow. What is it? Thanks, Skip
The thing in pic #2 is a gall, probably caused by gall-mites. Pic #3 shows a seed pod, when ripe it'll release a lot of cottony down containing the tiny seeds.
Michael, Are you sure this small plant has 11 of these things and they look as natural as can be. I am including a photo close up so you can have another look.
Here you are, from no less than UBC's own Botany Photo of the Day! http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2009/06/salix_species_and_rhabdophaga_rosaria_1.php
Michael, Sorry for doubting you. That is it! I must remember this and pass on to others. Do you think I should cut these off, I am worndering if these galls are the reason for the plants distorted appearance.
I'd be inclined to cut them off and burn them - normally, galls are not much of a problem for plants, but as the POTD article points out, this one is an introduced species in your area, so your local willows may not be adapted to coping with it, not having evolved alongside. Whether they are responsible for the plant's shape, I don't know. Willow cultivars with drooping/weeping branches are very popular, so it could well be one of those.
Michael, Thanks for that, I cut them off and burned them in my fire pit tonight. There was a small black flying bug kind of miniature wasp like but smaller one of those with a pointed butt that seemed rather upset when I was doing the cutting I had to wave it away several times right in my face. All is well now. Thanks Michael
