Salix caprea aka Pussy Willow

Salix caprea is known as goat willow or pussy willow. It belongs to the willow family, Salicaceae. Its native range spans Europe and much of temperate Asia. It also grows wild in Britain and Ireland. This plant forms a large shrub or small tree. It sheds its leaves each year and grows fast. Its branches stand upright within a broad, rounded crown. Some plants form several trunks rather than one main stem.

Size estimates vary quite widely among garden sources. North American sources give heights of 12–25 feet [3.7–7.6 metres]. Spread may reach nearly the same width, according to UConn. RHS gives a taller range of 26–39 feet [8–12 metres]. Its listed spread reaches 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Young stems have fine hairs and a yellow-brown colour. Older bark turns dark brown. Stout buds have a purple-brown tint. The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They are dark green above, with grey hairs beneath. Leaf edges may have uneven teeth or remain smooth. Leaves turn yellow before they fall in autumn.

Catkins appear before the leaves, from March to April. Male plants bear the more showy flowers. Their soft, silver-grey catkins develop golden anthers. Female catkins are green and longer than male catkins. The fruit adds little to the plant's garden appeal. Flowering branches suit cutting gardens and indoor displays. This willow also suits hedges and open lawn sites. Regular cutting can keep a hedge in shape. Viceroy caterpillars feed on it, and it attracts butterflies. Deer cause less damage than on some other plants.

Give goat willow full sun and deep, moist soil. It also tolerates some shade. Clay, loam and sand can all support growth. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils are suitable. Shallow chalk soil does not suit it. It grows beside ponds, streams and in low garden spots. Average garden soil can also support it. RHS rates its cold hardiness as H6. North American sources list USDA zones 4–8. Cuttings offer a means of raising new plants.

Goat willow can be short-lived and produce suckers. Its weak wood can break in wind, ice or snow. Fallen twigs and limbs create litter beneath the crown. Shallow roots may block drains and hinder nearby planting. Pests include aphids, caterpillars, sawflies, beetles and scale insects. Canker, rust, scab and honey fungus can cause trouble. Other reported diseases include blights, leaf spots and powdery mildew.