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Pussy Willow
Salix capreaOut of stock
Our new stock is growing! New stock will be available 1st September 2025.About this product
Salix caprea, known as Pussy Willow, is a tough native tree favouring wet soils but thriving pretty much anywhere.
It grows quickly into a small tree, known for its attractive velvety flowers that bloom abundantly with yellow anthers in spring.
Sometimes referred to as Goat Willow, its spring stems are often used for flower arranging and decorative Easter displays.
Summer green leaves turn to yellow in the autumn.
The tree is known for its longevity, with the potential to live for up to 300 years. Its bark initially appears grey-brown, but as it ages, it develops distinct diamond-shaped crevices. Initially covered in fine hairs, the twigs gradually become smoother and may take on red-yellow tones when exposed to sunlight. After wind pollination, the female catkins transition into fluffy seeds.
Like many willows, this species can reproduce naturally by bending its branches towards the ground, where they can take root independently.
Salix caprea is better known for its weeping clonal selection, the Kilmarnock Willow, which makes a fine garden tree.
Mature Height: 3-7m