Goat Willow, Pussy Willow
salix caprea
Also known as: ["Pussy Willow","Great Sallow","Kitten Willow"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and western Asia, known for its early spring catkins and soft, silvery appearance.
Benefits & Perks
["early flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Salix |
| Botanical Name: | Salix caprea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, near water bodies or in damp areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, but well-draining soil; tolerates clay but prefers loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size control.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in intense summer sun; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in dry conditions
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure good drainage, and avoid waterlogging the roots.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture, avoid compacted soil, and ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters and prefers cool temperatures; thrives in 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing in drafty areas; monitor for heat stress in summer.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring
Fertilize once a year in spring; use a balanced formula; water well after application.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in late autumn/winter.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Early summer for softwood cuttings; late autumn or winter for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C) for successful rooting.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Softwood cuttings root in 4–6 weeks; hardwood cuttings may take 2–3 months to root and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap, and misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing or damaged branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage new growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, and saw for larger branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/diseased wood, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) if repotting is necessary.
Method
Use well-draining soil, ensure good drainage, prune roots if necessary, and water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Not typically required unless grown in containers; field-grown plants do not need repotting.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, prune roots if needed, water well.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply slowly to allow deep penetration, ensure excess water drains away, and water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, dieback in prolonged cold, and reduced flowering if temperatures are too high or too low.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn brown, branches can die back, and overall growth may slow or stop in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base, protect from harsh winds, and avoid planting in exposed, frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop, and flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility, apply fertilizer in spring, water thoroughly, avoid runoff.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Salix caprea is not heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are more sensitive to salicin than dogs, and ingestion of Salix caprea can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. The compound may also lead to allergic reactions in some cats. Care should be taken to prevent ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Salix caprea. The salicin content can cause irritation to the digestive tract, leading to discomfort. While generally not life-threatening, ingestion should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSalix caprea, commonly known as goat willow, contains salicin, a compound similar to aspirin. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The physiological impact is generally mild but can be more pronounced in large quantities or with prolonged exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salix caprea toxic to pets?
A: No, Salix caprea is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Salix caprea attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its early catkins.
Q: How easy is it to care for Salix caprea?
A: It is easy to care for, requiring moderate maintenance and thriving in various conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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