Salix caprea, Goat Willow

Goat Willow can be either multi-branches shrubby tree or taller tree with straight ridged stem. It can grow up to 12m. It is very important specie ecologically, because it provides food for larval and adult stages of large number of insects.

 This Goat Willow was growing next to footpath around Hatfield  reservoirs in Derbyshire.

It is in a sunny position. The soil is slightly frozen but looks well-drained. It grows along with other Goat Willows and Birches.

Bark is tough and flexible and is used for leather substitute.

The shoots are thick and stiff twigs, hairy at first and with the age they become more smooth and with yellowish brown colour.

Male and female catkins are on separate trees and appear early in the spring before the leaves. They are ovoid and covered with grayish silky hairs before opening.

Male catkins become bright yellow when opening and female are with greenish colour.