This deciduous native hedge is hugely valuable to wildlife and has been naturalized in Britain since Roman times Fluffy silver catkins appear on the bare branches in early spring, followed by bright green oval shaped leaves A fully hardy, moderately growing plant which will reach a height of approx 8m but can easily be maintained at 1-4m Goat Willow will grow well in all soil types and sites, even exposed, windy areas and wet or chalk soil The catkins are highly attractive to bees and this hedge is also a favourite with many species of butterflies and moths The name Goat Willow probably comes from an illustration in Hieronymus Bock's Herbal, published in 1546. The picture shows a goat grazing on the tree which seems to have inspired its naming almost 200 years later - goats have no special preference for this tree and will pretty much eat anything!
