Goat Willow (Pussy Willow) - Salix caprea
Irish name - Saileach
Willow family - Salicaceae
Characteristics
- Goat willow is a small tree which can grow to a height of 10m (30ft), but is usually 3-5m (9-15ft) high.
- When grown in the open, it usually forms a short trunk with wide branches reminiscent of an apple tree.
- It reproduces easily from both seed and cuttings.
Season
- The catkins open in March and April before the leaves.
- The fruit ripens in May.
- Leaves fall in October after turning yellow.
Preferred Environment
- Goat willow is a tree of woodland edges, shrub and hedgerows, withstanding drier conditions better than other willows.
- This tree species is a pioneer in clearings, wasteland gravel workings and quarries.
Wildlife Associations
- There are 266 identified insect species that are associated with willow. Moths in particular enjoy the willows rich habitat.
- The name goat willow refers to the fondness of goats for this willow’s early spring foliage and is thought to have come about from goats feeding on trees.
- By flowering early, the goat willow provides bees with both pollen and nectar when few other flowers are available.
Uses
- The bark yields tannin, used for tanning leather.
- Aspirin is also derived from the salicin extracted from the bark.
Please remember...
Permission from the landowner - and, if the site holds any kind of designation, from Northern Ireland Environment Agency too - must be sought before collecting plant material (including seeds).