When should I prune my pussy willow?

Prune immediately after the catkins fade in late spring.

Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers moist soil and thrives near ponds or in damp garden spots.

Plant guide

Goat willow.

Salix caprea

Pronounced SAY-liks KAP-ree-uh

Also known as Goat Willow, Pussy Willow, Sallow

The goat willow is a lovely deciduous shrub or small tree known for its fuzzy catkins that appear in early spring. It thrives in moist soil and brings a touch of wild beauty to any garden. You will love how it signals the arrival of warmer weather.

Another photo of goat willow — Photo by Naturalista (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: deciduous shrub or tree
Light: full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 10 to 25 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 8
Bloom time: Early to mid spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its natural waterside habitat. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal that the soil has dried out too much. Prune right after the catkins fade to keep the shape tidy.

Watering: Ensure the soil stays damp but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring.
Pruning: Trim back branches immediately after the flowering period ends.
Repotting: Repot only if the roots have completely filled the container.
Soil: moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -30 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 30 years.
Deer and rabbits: Low

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: The plant is generally non-toxic, though ingestion of bark or leaves may cause mild stomach upset.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The catkins may pose a minor choking hazard if ingested by very small children.
Contact allergens: The fuzzy catkins can cause minor skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is wind-dispersed and can trigger hay fever during the early spring bloom.
Edibility: The bark contains salicin and should be avoided by those with aspirin allergies.

How to identify it

fuzzy silver spring catkins
broad oval shaped leaves
dull green leaf color
smooth gray bark texture

Height: 3 to 8m
Spread: 2 to 5m
Leaves: green, gray-green, deciduous
Flowers: silver, yellow, 2 to 4cm
Fruit: brown, late spring

Problems to watch for

Willow anthracnose · Fungal infection causing dark spots and leaf drop.
Aphids · Small insects that feed on sap and cause leaf curling.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your goat willow from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: It is fully hardy and requires no special protection during winter. Simply clear away any fallen debris around the base.
In containers: It can be grown in large containers, but it prefers being planted in the ground due to its size.

Hardwood cuttings

Take 20cm cuttings in late winter.
Insert into moist soil or a pot of compost.
Keep the soil consistently damp until roots develop.

Plant in damp areas where other shrubs struggle to thrive.

Grows well with

Dogwood · They share similar moisture requirements and look lovely together in winter.
Marsh Marigold · These thrive in the same damp soil conditions beneath the willow canopy.

Similar species

American Pussy Willow · It is a North American native with a similar appearance and growth habit.

Science

Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Salix
Order: Malpighiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and Western Asia.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern as it is widespread and common in its native range.

It is a pioneer species that colonizes damp, open areas and provides essential early-season resources for pollinators.

Value to wildlife: early nectar source, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: ornamental shrub, early pollinator support, basketry material

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

When should I prune my pussy willow?: Prune immediately after the catkins fade in late spring.
Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers moist soil and thrives near ponds or in damp garden spots.

Where the name comes from

Salix is the Latin name for willow, while caprea refers to goats, as they are known to browse the foliage.

Good to know

It is often called the pussy willow because of its soft, furry catkins.
The catkins are a vital food source for early-emerging bees.
It grows quickly and can be coppiced to encourage new growth.

Keep your goat willow growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.