Salix caprea

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Goat willowFamily: Salicaceae

Height: 120mSpread: 80m
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full shade, partial shade

Aspect:

East facing, south facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back

Goat willow, also known as pussy willow (Salix caprea), is a tall, native tree that bears fluffy male catkins in spring before the leaves unfurl. It's a fantastic tree for wildlife, supporting a wide range of species, including queen bumblebees, tits, and caterpillars of moths and butterflies, including the purple emperor butterfly (Apatura iris).

Goat willow trees can grow to 12m and can live for up to 300 years. They can also be grown as hedges. They have grey-brown bark which develops diamond-shaped fissures with age. The oval, green-grey leaves are coated with a fine down on the underside and are pointed at the tip.

Goat willow isn't typically used as a garden tree, however Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock' is a compact cultivar of the goat willow and considered more garden-worthy.

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Salix ‘caprea’ and wildlife

Salix ‘caprea’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, is used for nesting materials, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Salix ‘caprea’ poisonous?

Salix ‘caprea’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People