Salix caprea – Goat Willow

Goat willow is a widespread and common species native to Britain and Ireland, occurring in woodland, hedgerows and scrub. It is also more tolerant of drier conditions than similar species.

  Dependant on its situation, Goat Willow can be a tall, straight stemmed tree with a sparsely domed crown, or a multi branched dense shrubby tree. Its stiff twigs are hairy at first, becoming smoother with age turning yellowish-brown. Twigs are smooth when bark is peeled off. Leaves are large, long and oval shaped, growing up to around 12 cm long with a short twisted point at the tip. Upper leaf surface is dull green and slightly hairy, its lower side is noticeably grey and woolly which can suddenly change the appearance of an entire tree/hedge with a strong gust of wind.

  In terms of ecology, it is an extremely important plant with large numbers of insects living in, or off the tree and is particularly noted for the number of species of Lepidoptera that are associated with it. The larvae of the Purple Emperor butterfly will feed on nothing else but Goat Willow leaves.