Salix caprea. Goat willow. Saileach.

Description

Salix caprea, Goat willow. Saileach.

Common name:
Goat willow. Pussy willow. Saileach.

General:
Salix caprea, Goat willow. Perennial growing to 15m mature height. Original seeds collected from an old site near Downpatrick, Co. Down in 2019. Supplied in pots with soil so you can plant any time but very early spring time is the best.

Benefits:
A good choice for native woodland. Fast growing with large attractive leaves – the largest of all our willow leaves at around 8cms long. Can be coppiced for fuel. Supports over 250 insect species. The early pollen from the male trees provides all kinds of bees with brood food, essential for feeding the new generation of bees in early spring. Trees can live up to 300 years.

Habitat:
Goat willow is known as the woodland willow as it does well in slightly drier conditions. Loves the sunshine but will tolerate shade well. It’s palatable to livestock who might eat it into extinction until it’s bigger.

Planting guidelines:
Plant them in an area where grass won’t overwhelm them and keep livestock away. Tree guards can be useful until they’re established.

Cultural history:
Well known as the aspirin tree (white willow). Associated with dreams, intuition and emotions in common folklore.