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Salix caprea

Image of Salix caprea

James Burghardt

Family

Salicaceae

Botanical Name

Salix caprea

Plant Common Name

Goat Willow, Great Sallow, Pussy Willow

General Description

Goat willow is a small, multistemmed, short-lived deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. It is grown and loved for its silky "pussy willow" catkins in early spring. Catkins on male plants are large and yellow at maturity; female plants have smaller, silvery catkins. The leaves are dark green and slightly puckered. Goat willow is often represented in gardens by its weeping cultivars. It likes sun and well-drained soil, and benefits from a severe pruning every 2 or 3 years. Grow it where late winter and early spring interest are needed in the garden. Cut flowering stems of goat willow are wonderful for decoration.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m

  • Width

    12'-15' / 3.7m - 4.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring

  • Native To

    Europe, Western Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Silver

  • Fruit Color

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Yellow Green, Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No