Pussy Willows

According to Google  these soft silver tufts are named for their resemblance to tiny cats' paws.

This group is gradually starting to flower. Willow flowers, called catkins, hardly look like flowers at all .... no petals, showy colours or fragrance. 

Only male plants produce the fuzzy flowers. When conditions are right the pollen is released in to the wind in the hope that some may land on the female flower parts.

Plenty of these lovely furry catkins growing round the wee nature reserve in the Heritage Park.