Welcome to springtime in Niagara!

As the weather warms, we will see some plants and trees that bloom in those first few weeks of April and May.

© 2025 by Susan Jonsson-Ninnis

Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)

The Pussy Willow tree (Salix discolor) is small, shrubby tree found along wetlands and moist woods. Its familiar woolly tufts (or catkins) start to appear along branches at the beginning of spring. These soft catkins as well as the tree itself are named for their resemblance to tiny cats’ paws (The Plant Native, 2025). All willows are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers occur on separate plants, however only male trees produce these fuzzy catkins. Woolly catkins will give way to yellow male flowers, while female trees produce dull greenish catkins. All willows are wind pollinated (anemophilous) where pollen is transferred from one plant to another by the wind and are of special value as a food source to native bees.

Willow bark can be used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Researchers believe that the chemical salicin -- a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) -- found in the bark, is responsible for these effects. Studies have also shown that several other components of willow bark, including plant chemicals called polyphenols and flavonoids (Mount Sinai, 2025) have antioxidant, fever-reducing, antiseptic, and immune-boosting properties. Some studies show willow bark is as effective as aspirin for reducing pain and inflammation (but not fever), and at a much lower dose. The use of willow bark for these ailments dates to the time of Hippocrates (400 BC) when people were advised to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation (Mount Sinai, 2025).

Note:  Photos taken by SJN.

Jonsson-Ninniss, S.  September 2024.  [Lucy and Ripley’s Guide to Plants and Trees Part 1:  Deciduous Trees]. BIOL 2P93.  Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario.

Mount Sinai, 2025.  Willow Bark.  Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.  Obtained from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/willow-bark 

The Plant Native.  2025.  Native Pussy Willows:  A Beginner’s Guide.  Obtained from:  https://theplantnative.com/plant/native-pussy-willows-a-beginners-guide/

Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)

Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) is a bulb flowering plant originally native to southwestern Russia, the Caucasus, and Turkey. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental in the late 1700s, escaping into the wild and becoming invasive. In 2018 it was officially designated as an Ontario invasive species due to its hardiness and fast spread.

This plant is great source of pollen for local bees and other pollinators.  As well, its bulb contains certain potentially beneficial medicinal properties.  People may use squill to treat mild heart failure, irregular heartbeat and certain vein problems (RxList, 2025). More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of squill on these ailments.  Early research suggests that injections of methylproscillaridin, a chemical in squill, may improve heart function in people with coronary heart disease (RxList, 2025).  Evidence-based reviews of Drimia maritime (Sea Squill), have noted that it is an important medicinal plant for the treatment of many diseases, notably respiratory diseases (Saket et. al, 2020). Squill has also been used in the treatment of digestive, and dermatological disorders, and is also used against various cancer cells for its antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. There is fairly reliable evidence of its benefits for bacterial and helminthic (parasitic worms) infections, rheumatism, edema and gout.  However, supplementary studies are required to explore the bioactive agents and their effective mechanisms (Saket et. al, 2020)

Note that the entire plant is poisonous and has an ingredient similar to that in rat poison, as such it is unsafe to take by mouth. Accidental poisoning can lead to a range of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, followed by diarrhea and abdominal pain. Dizziness and confusion may also occur (Rankel, 2024).  Consultation with a physician is imperative if consideration is being given to use this plant as there are many side effects and interactions with prescription drugs!

Note:  Photos taken by SJN.

Jonsson-Ninniss, S.  September 2024.  [Lucy and Ripley’s Guide to Plants and Trees Part 4:  Flowering Plants]. BIOL 2P93.  Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario.

Rankel, K.  2024.  Siberian Squill is Toxic to Humans!  Gregarious Inc.  Obtained from:  https://greg.app/siberian-squill-toxic-to-humans/

RxList.  2025. Vitamins and Supplements.  SQUILL:  Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions.  Obtained from:  https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/squill.htm

Saket, K., Afshari, J.T., Saburi, E., Yousefi, M, and R. Salari.  2020.  NIH:  National Library of Medicine.  Therapeutic Aspects of Squill; An Evidence-Based Review.  Current Drug Discoveries. 17:3 pp. 318-324.  http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570163816666190125154745