Goat Willow

Goat Willow (Salix caprea)

Goat Willow (Salix caprea), also known as Pussy Willow or Great Sallow, is a hardy deciduous shrub or small tree celebrated for its soft, silvery catkins that emerge in late winter. Native to Europe and western Asia, this versatile willow offers early-season pollinator support, strong structure, and ornamental charm�making it a standout focal point in wildlife-friendly and naturalistic gardens.

Distinctive Features

Goat Willow typically grows 15 to 25 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown and coarse branching. In late winter to early spring, its bare stems produce fuzzy catkins�males being larger and more ornamental, covered in silver-gray hairs and yellow pollen. Leaves emerge after flowering, with a broad, oval shape and soft underside. The bark is gray and becomes furrowed with age, adding texture to mature specimens.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained to wet soils
• Soil pH: Tolerates a wide range; prefers slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: High; thrives in moist or damp locations
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in early spring gardens or wildlife landscapes
• Pollinator support in ecological or permaculture plantings
• Cut branches for indoor seasonal decoration
• Naturalizing along streambanks, wetlands, or meadows
• Background shrub for hedgerows and mixed borders

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune after flowering to shape or rejuvenate older wood
• Water consistently in dry periods to maintain vigor
• Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Cut stems in winter for use in arrangements or displays
• Monitor for aphids and willow-specific pests if heavily pruned

Why Choose Goat Willow

• Silvery catkins provide early seasonal interest and charm
• Excellent for pollinators emerging in late winter
• Tolerates wet conditions and a variety of soil types
• Can be coppiced or shaped as needed
• A rustic, wildlife-friendly focal point for natural gardens

Goat Willow brings softness, structure, and ecological value to the landscape�making it a reliable focal point for early-season interest and a trusted performer in both cultivated and naturalized settings.