The Goat Willow (Salix caprea), is a hardy, fast-growing deciduous tree that can be an attractive addition to a spacious garden in cooler climates. They aren't too big, growing up to ten meters high, and are often shaped into a large rounded shrub.They have oval-shaped leaves, rather than the long, thin variety usually seen on Willow species, and their soft, silvery catkins are fantastic pollinators that are attractive to bees.They're one of two species commonly referred to as Pussy Willow and can be easily confused with the North American Pussy Willow (Salix discolor).Although they're similar, the Salix Caprea is generally referred to as the European Pussy Willow, where it's a native species, and its larger catkins develop into long, attractive flowers.The male variety of this plant is a preferred choice for ornamental purposes and adds a lot of interest in winter and early spring.The woolly catkins that emerge before winter are larger and have a pretty pink-silver shade that turns yellow as they ripen. They're more eye-catching than the smaller green variety found on female trees.
Great Sallow Care
Salix Caprea
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Humidity
High
Lighting
Full Sun
Hardiness zone
4 - 8
Difficulty
Medium
Hibernation
Cold Period
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Goat Willow Trees are water lovers. They thrive in areas that have moist, even wet conditions. These trees do well in wetlands and bogs and are a great choice for gardens that have poor drainage.Although they're relatively drought-tolerant too, in dry conditions their growth can be stunted.
Pruning
Goat Willow can be coppiced without any problem. Cutting them right back to a stump every few years can stimulate good regrowth and usually results in larger catkins and longer stems developing.If you plan to trim the tree, make sure you do this after the blooming season. The catkins form on the previous season's branches, and you don't want to risk diminishing that years display.
Fertilizer
Unless you're growing your Goat Willow in a container, you won't need to fertilize the tree. Its spreading roots help it to find the nourishment it needs.
Sunlight
This tree prefers to receive plenty of sun, although it can tolerate a partial shade position.
Soil
Goat Willow Trees aren't particularly fussy when it comes to soil types, although they thrive in a rich and moist variety. Unlike most plants, they prefer soil that isn't well-drained.They can tolerate dry and sandy conditions too, although mulching around the base of the tree can be beneficial.
Temperature
These trees grow well in a temperate, mild climate and can handle cold winters too. In very hot regions, the growth rate is usually considerably slower.Extreme and prolonged freezing conditions can cause branches to weaken and crack.
Popularity
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