Spectacular in spring when its dark pinkish-red cat paw-like flower buds open along the bare branches to large dusty-pink catkins that fade to silver. No wonder florists love this variety at all stages of bloom. The fully open flowers are one of the first pollen and nectar sources for early-season beneficial insects. As the flowers fade, dark green broad elliptic to oblong leaves will emerge and remain until the first heavy frost in fall. Named after the volcano Mt. Asama