Salix caprea
goat willow
A large, spreading, rounded deciduous shrub or small tree to about 9m tall, with broadly elliptic, short-stalked green leaves, to 10cm long, greyish beneath, and silvery-grey catkins in spring, before the leaves, the males 4cm long, with golden anthers, the females to 7cm long are green
Other common names
florist's willowgreat sallow
see moreKilmarnock willow
Northamptonshire palm
palm willow
pussy willow
sallow
sally
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Gold Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Salix are deciduous shrubs and trees of diverse habit, with simple leaves and tiny flowers in catkins, male and female usually on separate plants. Some are valued for their brightly coloured winter shoots, others for their foliage or showy male catkins
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to NE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk soils
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood) in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust
Get involved
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