What soil does Goat willow grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Goat willow hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Goat willow be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Goat willow flower?

Flowering: March–April, silver, yellow.

How much water does Goat willow need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Goat willow

Salix caprea

Goat willow (Salix caprea) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €30.

Illustration of Goat willow — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Goat willow is a large shrub or small tree, but in gardens you nearly always get the weeping 'Pendula' ('Kilmarnock') grafted on a stem: its height is fixed by the graft and the crown hangs down like an umbrella. In early spring, before the leaves, it carries silvery catkins that turn yellow with pollen and are among the first food for bees. It fits small gardens and pots, but it is short-lived and wants moist soil and yearly pruning.

Watch out for

In Central Europe the grafted weeping form is rarely long-lived: the inside of the crown goes bare and dies back unless it is cut back hard every year right after the catkins. Straight shoots sprouting from the stem and the rootstock must be removed at once or they overtake the weeping crown. Aphids, leaf beetles and caterpillars are common, as are willow rust, scab, anthracnose and canker. In summer drought and in pots it drops leaves quickly without watering.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–April, silver, yellow

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1.5–2.5 m × 1.5–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–April, silver, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	Leaves
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €30

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
125-135 cm	approx. €30

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Small ornamental trees Plants for containers

Looks good next to it

Persian ivy

Hedera colchica

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Irish moss

Sagina subulata