Goat Willow

Exmoor Trees Verified independent store

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The Salix caprea, or pussy willow as it's more commonly know, can be grown as an upright shrub or tree. It displays long oval shaped leaves and large grey catkins are produced in t he spring; male and female catkins are found on separate trees, that open before the leaves. Growing Conditions: Grow in any moist well-drained soil types and position in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk soils. Value To Wildlife: Leaves are eaten by a number of moth caterpillars, including the sallow kitten, sallow clearwing, dusky clearwing and lunar hornet clearwing. It is also the main food source for the purple emperor butterfly. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the catkins. Important Note: You’ll receive a 2 year old well established whip that's between 20 to 60cm in height. This is a deciduous tree and so will shed its leaves in autumn, in order to protect itself from the cold winter weather. Come spring, it’ll burst back into bud and begin to flourish once more. Show more