Salix caprea Seeds | Goat Willow
LATIN NAME: Salix caprea
COMMON NAME: Goat Willow
Plant Profile
Salix caprea, commonly known as Goat Willow, is a hardy, small tree. It branches low into rounded, generous form, and it stands cold, wet ground well. It likes sun, and deep, moist soil. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Salix caprea ranges from the botany of the Salix group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Early catkins of goat willow place it squarely in literature on spring-feeding trees, and caprea species appears in studies of riparian regeneration and pioneer woodland scrub. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Goat Willow brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Around early spring, goat willow lights wet margins with golden, pollen-heavy catkins. Early nectar feeds bees when little else is open, fluffy seeds drift along watercourses, and tree makes fine windbreak, bee plant and streamside stabiliser. It settles into deep, moist, open ground. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Willow bark is the mother of aspirin: its salicin, refined through salicylic acid, became acetylsalicylic acid, and willow-bark extract remains an official European herbal for pain and fever. The genus also gives basketry, cricket bats and erosion control.
Growing from Seed
Goat Willow is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Goat Willow has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Young plants want steady water; older plants take conditions as they come.
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