catkin

Dangling tree bloom

A catkin is a slim, drooping cluster of tiny flowers found on certain trees like willows, birches, and hazels.

The flowers lack petals and hang in soft, cylindrical spikes that resemble a cat's tail—hence the name.

Catkins typically appear in early spring before the leaves: The willow catkins were the first sign of spring.

botany

inflorescence

Plant's complete bloom arrangement

bractLeaflike floral structure
floretSmall individual bloom
rachisCentral supporting shaft

pendulous · deciduous · willow · birch · hazel · alder · poplar · oak · beech · walnut

appearance

cylindrical

Circular in cross-section

pendulousHanging so as to swing
droopingHanging or bending downward
danglingSuspended and swaying freely

tassel · fuzzy · soft · silvery · elongated · slender · swaying · cluster · spike · ornamental

spring

budding

Developing from an outgrowth

emergenceComing into existence
vernalRelating to spring
early bloomPremature seasonal blossom

pussy willow · fuzzy · silvery · soft · awakening · seasonal · March · April · harbinger · thaw

pollination

pollen

Floral reproductive grains

antherPollen-producing structure
wind-pollinatedFertilized via airborne pollen
fertilizationGamete fusion creating zygote

cross-pollination · ovule · stigma · reproduction · allergen · hay fever · seasonal · airborne · germination

Categories

foresttrees, pine, oak, woods, wood
plant biologyphotosynthesis, chloroplast, pollination, stamen, pistil
inflorescencesinflorescence, raceme, umbel, spike, panicle
Willows and Poplarswillow, poplar, aspen, cottonwood, osier
flowersroses, flower, tulips, daisies, lilies
plant anatomyroot, stem, leaves, stems, leaf

Opposites

inflorescence type

catkinumbel

Radial flower cluster

panicle · raceme · head · spike

seed-bearing structure type

catkincone

Tapered solid, circular base

pine cone · fruit · berry · seed pod

Family

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G