- Botanical name: Salix caprea
- Common name: Goat willow
- Family: Salicaceae
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
Goat willow, also known as pussy willow (Salix caprea), is a tall, native tree that bears fluffy male catkins before the leaves unfurl, in spring. 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.
Where to buy Salix caprea
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- Woodland Trust
- Habitat Aid
- Primrose (hedging)
How to grow Salix caprea
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Plant size
120m height
80m spread
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Aspect
South facing, east facing, west facing
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Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Full shade, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
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.
Attractive to Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Attractive to Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Salix caprea poisonous?
Salix caprea has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
