1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and widespread across Europe and western Asia.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Broad, oval leaves (5–10 cm long), wider than most willows, with a rounded tip and finely toothed margins. Upper surface dull green, underside grey and downy. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Grey-brown, smooth when young, becoming scaly and fissured with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Famous for its “pussy willow” catkins. Male catkins are silver and silky at first, turning yellow with pollen; female catkins are green. Flowers appear in very early spring, often before leaves. Seeds are tiny and carried on the wind with silky hairs.
Overall shape: Typically a small tree or large shrub with a bushy, irregular crown.
4. Typical Size
3–8 m tall; spread 5–8 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Common throughout the UK, especially in damp ground, woodland edges, hedgerows, and scrub. Tolerates a wide range of soils and is often one of the first trees to colonise disturbed ground.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Broad oval leaves with downy undersides (unlike narrow-leaved willows).
Early spring catkins (“pussy willow”).
Typically a smaller, bushy form compared with White Willow.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Catkins appear before leaves, providing one of the earliest nectar sources.
Summer: Dense canopy of dull green leaves.
Autumn: Leaves turn yellow-green before dropping.
Winter: Bare twigs; catkin buds already forming.
8. Human Uses
Known as “pussy willow” and often cut for decorative use at Easter.
Coppiced historically for poles and firewood.
Bark contains salicin, once used in traditional remedies.
9. Wildlife Value
Extremely valuable for wildlife. Early catkins provide nectar and pollen for bees, especially queen bumblebees emerging from hibernation.
Leaves feed numerous moth caterpillars.
Provides cover and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Its nickname “pussy willow” comes from the soft, silky male catkins, which resemble a cat’s paw.
In folklore, goat willow was linked with fertility and spring renewal, often used in seasonal festivals.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Grows in almost any soil, including clay, loam, and damp ground. Good for wet soils.
Light: Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly until established; tolerant of wet conditions.
Spacing: 3–6 m apart for naturalistic planting or hedgerows.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Responds well to coppicing or pollarding. Protect young shoots from browsing.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Useful in parks, ponds, and SuDS planting; less suitable for narrow streets.
Garden: Excellent for medium to large gardens, especially wildlife-friendly ones. Compact enough for smaller plots compared to other willows.