goat willow (Salix caprea) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Goat willow is a Eurasian shrub or small tree grown in U.S. gardens, with escaped plants in scattered states. Its soft flower clusters open before its broad leaves, often in March or April in northeastern gardens. It is also called pussy willow, a name shared with American pussy willow (Salix discolor).

Appearance

Growth form: It is a deciduous shrub or small tree, usually 15–25 ft (4.5–7.5 m) tall and sometimes reaching 30 ft (9 m).
Leaves: The broad oval leaves are dark green above and pale, softly hairy beneath.
Flowers: The species is . Silky open before the leaves, and male catkins turn yellow as they release pollen.
Flowering time: In cultivation in the northeastern United States, it commonly flowers in March or April.

Look-alikes

American Pussy WillowSalix discolor

American Pussy Willow has smaller spring catkins and nearly blue-white leaf undersides. Goat willow has larger catkins and softly hairy, whitish leaf undersides; include leaves and buds in photos.

Why they get mixed upBoth have soft gray catkins before their leaves unfold.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: gardens
woodland edges
moist open ground
Range: Native to Eurasia, it is introduced in scattered U.S. states, including New York, Illinois, North Carolina, and Washington.
Preferred conditions: It grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates moist, well-drained soil as well as short wet or dry periods.

Life cycle

Reproduction: Male and female catkins grow on separate plants, so seed production requires both sexes nearby.
Seed dispersal: Tiny seeds carry cottony hairs that help the wind disperse them.

Name and classification

About the name: The name pussy willow is also used for American pussy willow (Salix discolor), so the shared name alone does not identify goat willow.
Varieties and forms: Weeping selections such as 'Pendula' and 'Curly Locks' are grown ornamentally.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

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