Goat Willow Tree (Salix Caprea)

The Goat Willow tree (Salix Caprea), also known as pussy willow, is a native broadleaf willow tree widely valued for its early spring catkins and strong wildlife credentials. Unlike most willow trees, Goat Willow has broad oval leaves rather than long narrow ones, and produces distinctive round grey catkins that turn yellow with pollen in early spring, making it one of the most recognisable types of willow tree in the UK. A fast-growing tree reaching up to 10 metres in height, Goat Willow prefers neutral, wet or moist soils and establishes readily in woodland, hedgerows, and damp open ground including areas near lakes, streams, and canals.

Catkins appear before the leaves in early spring, providing one of the earliest sources of pollen and nectar of the year for bees and other pollinators when few other trees are in flower.

For wildlife and conservation planting, Goat Willow trees support a wide range of insects, birds, and specialist butterfly species, making them a strong choice for biodiversity-focused planting schemes.