catkin

Everyday

A long, thin, soft hanging cluster of tiny flowers on trees such as willow, hazel and birch. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature lessons in spring, children find catkins on hazel and willow trees; they spread pollen on the wind. Pussy willow catkins are soft and furry like a cat's paw.

Examples

• The hazel tree is covered in yellow catkins. tree →
• Catkins release pollen in the wind. tree →
• Pussy willow catkins feel soft and furry. tree →
• We collected catkins on our spring walk. tree →
• Catkins are a sign that spring is coming. tree →
• Birch catkins hang like little tails. tree →

Note

Countable. Catkins are flowers, though they do not look like usual flowers. They can cause hay fever because of the pollen.