Goat Willow: A Versatile and Resilient Plant for Many Landscapes
Characteristics and Benefits
Goat willow (Salix caprea), a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to Europe and western Asia, is a versatile and adaptable plant that offers many benefits to gardeners. It is known for its attractive appearance, easy cultivation, and tolerance of a wide range of conditions.
Goat willow has oval-shaped leaves and soft, pinkish-gray catkins that appear in early spring on male plants. The female catkins are longer and have a greenish color. The flowering branches, which are among the first to appear in spring, are often harvested for decorative purposes.
This plant is extremely easy to grow and tolerant of heavy pruning, making it a popular choice for hedges or as a specimen plant. It is also highly attractive to butterflies and bees, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife garden.
Planting and Care
Goat willow prefers moist soils and full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade and a variety of soil types. It is a fast-growing plant, typically reaching a height of 12–25 feet and a width of 8–15 feet.
When planting goat willow, choose a location where it will have plenty of room to grow and will not interfere with underground utilities, as its roots can be invasive. Water the plant deeply after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Goat willow is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It does not require fertilization unless you are growing it for the purpose of harvesting the young stems for decorative use. In this case, it is best to cut the plant down to ground level and fertilize heavily each spring.
Pruning and Propagation
Goat willow can be pruned to maintain its desired shape and size. It can also be coppiced (trimmed off at ground level) without any problem. Cutting the plant back to the ground every few years can stimulate good regrowth and result in larger catkins and longer stems.
Goat willow can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. While most willow species are easy to propagate by planting a branch cutting directly in the soil, goat willow is slightly more temperamental and is more often propagated by seeds.
Pests and Diseases
Goat willow is generally a hardy plant, but it is susceptible to several diseases, including powdery mildew, twig and leaf blight, and leaf spot. Willow anthracnose is a more serious fungal disease that can cause complete defoliation of the plant.
Aphids and caterpillars are also known to feed on the leaves of goat willow. To control these pests, spray the plant with a hard water spray or horticultural oil.
Uses in the Landscape
Goat willow is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscape applications. It makes a good screening plant for wet areas and can be used to stabilize stream banks or in water gardens. It accepts pruning very readily and thus can be used as a hedge plant.
Goat willow is also frequently grown for the sole purpose of harvesting the young stems while they are covered with fuzzy catkins. These stems are popular for use in floral arrangements.
Specific Concerns
While goat willow is generally a low-maintenance plant, there are a few potential concerns to be aware of.
- Invasive roots: Goat willow’s roots can be invasive and can damage underground water pipes or sewer lines and clog drain lines. It is best planted many feet away from such utilities.
- Brittleness: Goat willow’s wood is brittle and subject to breakage from heavy snows or ice storms. Fortunately, damaged branches are easily cut out, and heavy pruning only stimulates new growth.
Additional Tips
- For optimal blooming, plant a male goat willow, as it is the pollen that produces the attractive yellow color of the catkins.
- If you are growing goat willow in a container, choose a large, heavy pot that can resist tipping. Container-grown willows will need to be watered very frequently and may benefit from an annual application of fertilizer.
- To protect potted goat willows from the cold during winter, move them to an unheated garage or porch or wrap them with insulation or heap them with compost.
With its attractive appearance, easy cultivation, and versatility, goat willow is a valuable addition to many landscapes. By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of this plant for years to come.