SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salix caprea

COMMON NAME: Pussy Willow, Goat Willow

GARDEN SIZE: 12-25 feet tall x 12-15 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade

WATER & SOIL: Medium to wet soils; thrives in moist soils, but tolerates somewhat drier soils better than most other willows

HABIT (FORM): Large shrub or small tree

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; broad elliptic to oblong leaves, dark green above and gray-hairy beneath; variable fall color, usually greenish-yellow

FLOWERS: Showy male catkins are pinkish gray and woolly (1-2" long); female catkins are smaller and greenish; blooms from March to April

PLANT ORIGIN: Europe and Asia

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: May apply organic compost in the spring.

PRUNING: Prune to remove heavy branches to prevent breakage, but otherwise no pruning is necessary. If shaping is desired, willows may be trimmed during dormancy.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Can be mildly toxic to pets (salicylic acid)

USES: Specimen tree, erosion control on slopes, rain garden, riparian areas