Salix caprea - Goat Willow

Also know as Sallow or Pussy Willow, the Goat Willow is a common plant all over Britain. Because its flowers are amongst the earliest in the year to appear it provides a valuable food source for foraging bees. The odd one out amongst willows, it has broad leaves, rather than the familiar narrow ones, and although it grows well in wet situations, it performs well in dry conditions too.

Site and soil

Wet and boggy soils, but also on disturbed ground anywhere. Tolerant of exposed conditions and low oxygen levels in wet soils.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 8m x 4m
After 20 years 10m x 5m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are oval, wrinkled and rough textured with red leaf stems. The bark is shiny and brown.

Flower, seed and fruit

The Goat Willow is dioecious – male and female plants are borne on separate trees. The catkins appear in late winter, the females green, the males the familiar silvery pussy willow. The females release the fluffy seeds in May. When bought in quantity there is a good chance both sexes will be represented.

Uses

Mixed wildlife hedges, riverbanks, screening, woodlands, coppicing.

Wildlife

The early pollen is invaluable for bees. The Goat Moth lays its eggs on the trunk and several species of butterfly and moth, including the Purple Emperor depend on the Goat Willow.