GOAT WILLOW – Salix caprea: [ 32 & 59 ]
Grows to 10m and has grey-brown bark with fissures. Unlike other willows, the leaves are oval, they are hairy underneath and tips point to one side at the end. Known as the pussy willow due to the appearance of the grey male catkins, female catkins grow on separate trees and are longer and greener. After wind pollination the female catkins develop fluffy seeds that are blown away. The trees can also propagate themselves by lowering branches into the ground where they root. Foliage is eaten by several moth caterpillars and is the main food for the purple emperor butterfly. Bees enjoy the nectar and birds will forage the tree for insects. Goat willow is more brittle than others so not used for weaving but does make excellent charcoal.
Grows to 10m and has grey-brown bark with fissures. Unlike other willows, the leaves are oval, they are hairy underneath and tips point to one side at the end. Known as the pussy willow due to the appearance of the grey male catkins, female catkins grow on separate trees and are longer and greener. After wind pollination the female catkins develop fluffy seeds that are blown away. The trees can also propagate themselves by lowering branches into the ground where they root. Foliage is eaten by several moth caterpillars and is the main food for the purple emperor butterfly. Bees enjoy the nectar and birds will forage the tree for insects. Goat willow is more brittle than others so not used for weaving but does make excellent charcoal.
