Goat willow
Also known as
Pussy willow, Great sallow, Sallow, European pussy willow
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Goat willow
Salix caprea, commonly known as goat willow or pussy willow, is a hardy, fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and western Asia. It typically reaches 5–10 m tall, forming a broad, rounded crown with gray-brown, fissured bark. Leaves are ovate, dark green above and softly downy beneath, giving a slightly silvery underside. Dioecious plants produce showy, silky catkins in late winter to early spring before the leaves emerge; male catkins are the iconic silver “pussy willows” that turn golden with pollen. Exceptionally tolerant of heavy, damp soils and even periodic waterlogging, S. caprea thrives along streams, wetlands, and hedgerows, and responds well to coppicing or pollarding. It is ecologically valuable, supplying early nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators and serving as a host for numerous insects. Easily propagated from hardwood cuttings, it is used in wildlife gardens, rain gardens, erosion control, and as ornamental catkin displays, including weeping forms such as ‘Kilmarnock’.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Goat willow
Water
Provide consistently moist to wet soil. For plants in the ground, water deeply during establishment (first 1–2 years), aiming for roughly 25–40 mm per week including rainfall; increase frequency during hot, dry spells. Apply a 5–8 cm mulch to conserve moisture. In containers, check daily in warm weather and water until 10–20% runoff; never allow the root ball to dry out. Ensure drainage holes—brief standing water is tolerated, but chronically stagnant saucers can reduce aeration and encourage root problems.
Light
Full sun to light shade. For the heaviest catkin production and sturdier, more compact growth, provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Partial shade is tolerated, especially in consistently moist sites, though it can reduce flowering and promote lanky shoots. In containers, place outdoors in sun or in a very bright south- or west-facing exposure. Avoid deep shade and warm, dim indoor locations, which predispose plants to weak growth and pest pressure.
Nutrients
Goat willow grows vigorously and often needs minimal feeding in the ground if soil is reasonably fertile. Top-dress with compost or well-rotted manure in early spring, then apply a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 10‑10‑10) at label rates. Container-grown plants benefit from a half-strength, balanced liquid feed every 2–4 weeks during active growth. Avoid high-nitrogen feeding late in the season to prevent soft, frost-prone shoots. In alkaline soils, monitor for chlorosis and supplement with iron chelates if needed. Flush containers periodically to minimize salt buildup.
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy (USDA Zones 4–8), goat willow tolerates winter lows near −30°C (−22°F). It grows best in cool to mild conditions (about 10–25°C). Heat is acceptable if soil moisture is ample; irrigate during drought and shelter from hot, desiccating winds when possible. Early catkins may be nipped by late frosts but plants typically rebound. Container specimens benefit from natural winter chilling outdoors; they are not suited to year‑round indoor culture without a cold dormancy period.
