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Goat willow

How to identify Goat willow (Salix caprea)

Goat willow

Goat willow is a versatile species that can thrive as both a small tree and a shrub, reaching up to 13 feet (4 meters) in height. Its ability to endure heavy pruning makes it adaptable to various landscaping needs. The plant exhibits oval to round leaves with soft texture, and during early spring, it produces prominent catkins that are silver or yellow in color, depending on its gender. Forming a thick canopy, it can survive in challenging environments, though its lifespan may be shorter compared to other species. Its bark and branches show a modest resistance to browsing deer.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Goat willow

1

Oval to round leaves with soft texture, dark green color, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.

2

Showy male catkins in early spring, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, densely packed with yellow stamens.

3

Prominent catkins are silver or yellow depending on the gender, appearing before leaves.

4

Upper leaf surface glossy and smooth, lower surface gray and pubescent.

5

Fine serrated leaf edges, visible veins, oval shape with pointed tip and rounded base.

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Detailed Traits of Goat willow

Leaf Features

The leaves of goat willow are alternate, simple, and dark green, measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. The upper surface is glossy and smooth, while the lower surface is gray and covered with soft, fine hairs (pubescent). The shape is generally ovate with a pointed tip and rounded base. The veins are clearly visible, and the edges are finely serrated, providing a distinct texture.

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Flower Features

Goat willow flowers are showy male catkins, appearing in early spring. These catkins measure about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length. They are densely packed with tiny, yellow stamens that give them a striking, furry appearance. The flowers are typically arranged in a cylindrical shape and emerge before the leaves, making them highly noticeable. Their bright, vivid coloration and early blooming period are key identification features for this species.

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Goat willow and Their Similar Plants

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Weeping willow vs. Goat willow: What's The Difference?
Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a willow tree that originates in China. Now, it grows widely around the globe due to being traded on the Silk Road. This tree is planted ornamentally in parks and gardens.
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White willow vs. Goat willow: What's The Difference?
The cultivation of white willow dates back to the era of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder. The wood of the white willow (Salix alba) is lightweight but durable, making it a popular material for products, including baskets and cricket bats. Chemicals in the bark, known as tannins, have also been used in the production of leather.
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Black willow vs. Goat willow: What's The Difference?
Black willow (Salix nigra) is a fast-growing tree that may reach heights of 43 m. These willows are important as early spring food sources for wildlife, for erosion control, and are sometimes used for ornamental planting in particularly wet soils. The soft lumber from the black willow is used to produce wooden shipping boxes.
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Pussy willow vs. Goat willow: What's The Difference?
Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is a deciduous shrub that will grow in full sun to partial shade in medium to wet soil. It blooms in spring with yellow greenish catkins. The blooms resemble the pads on a cat's paw which is how it gets its name. Interestingly male plants produce the more desirable silky pearl gray catkins and female plants produce smaller less attractive blooms. Due to its preference for moist soils this plant is usually found around ponds streams and lakes.
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Purple willow vs. Goat willow: What's The Difference?
Purple willow (Salix purpurea) grows natively in parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. Its young shoots are purplish initially but turn light gray to grayish-brown with age. The twigs and stems of this variety of willow are bendable and very useful for creating baskets and furniture. A dense root system also helps in controlling bank erosion.
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Coastal plain willow vs. Goat willow: What's The Difference?
The coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana) is a willow species that can grow up to 6 m tall. Small yellow flowers erupt from pliable stems en masse during spring and attract various pollinating insects like butterflies and bees. The branches are beneficial in the construction of fencing, basketry, and other crafts. Coastal plain willow thrives in boggy areas and can tolerate some salt but not full inundation.
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Corkscrew willow vs. Goat willow: What's The Difference?
Corkscrew willow is a willow tree known for its contorted and twisted branches that form stunning spiral shapes. The narrow leaves also come out twisted. It is a cultivar of Salix babylonica, named from the Italian word "tortuosa," which means winding. Gardeners plant this tree for its amazing winter ornamental appeal.
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Key Facts About Goat willow

Attributes of Goat willow
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
8 m to 13 m
Spread
8 m
Fruit Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Goat willow

Family
Willow
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Genus
Willows
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Species
Goat willow (Salix caprea)
Learn More About the Goat willow

Distribution Map of Goat willow

Goat willow, originating in a broad range of temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere, is native to Europe, Asia, and regions in the northeast of North America. It has been introduced and is now found in parts of South America and South Africa. The species is also widely cultivated beyond its natural range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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