Species: Salix caprea

(say'liks cap'ree-ah)

Goat Willow; Pussy Willow

Found on Course Walks

Wet Site Plants

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

Tree Identification Guide
Woody Shrubs for Storm Water Retention

Cultivars

This European species has few cultivars how ever there are several closely related species that also can sometime be found in cultivation: S. discolor (North America; 'Rosea' has pale rosy catkins), and S. gracilistyla (Asia; 'Melanostachys' bears black catkins with red anthers)

'Curly Locks', 'Pendula'

Ornamental Characteristics

Size: Shrub > 8 feet

Height: 15' - 25' (to 30') (12' - 15' spread)

Leaves: Deciduous

Shape: shrub or small tree

Ornamental Other: best in full sun (rangy in shade)

Environmental Characteristics

Light: Full sun, Part shade

Hardy To Zone: 3b

Soil Ph: Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

Environmental Other: flowers very early - March or April; soft silky catkins (hence the common name

Moisture Tolerance: Occasionally saturated or very wet soil; Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

short-lived due to many insect and disease problems

Bare Root Transplanting

Other

native to Europe, northeast Asia, Japan. Range map is for Salix discolor, native to North America

Native Range Map

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic

Occasionally saturated or very wet soil

Consistently moist, well-drained soil

Occasional periods of dry soil

Prolonged periods of dry soil

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