Willow, goat (Salix caprea)

Mature trees grow to 10m and can live for 300 years. The bark is grey-brown and develops diamond-shaped fissures with age. Twigs are hairy at first but become smooth, and can appear red-yellow in sunlight.

Look out for: the tips of the leaves which often appear bent to one side and are densely hairy below and slightly hairy above. Catkins appear before the leaves.

Identified in winter by: the greenish-brown, rounded, hairless buds which are only slightly pressed close to the twig.

What does goat willow look like?

Not to be confused with:

Several of the willow species native to the UK, many of which hybridise with one another, making them hard to identify. Goat willow often hybridises with the grey willow (Salix cinerea).

Where to find goat willow

It is found growing in woodland, hedgerows and scrub, and on damper, more open ground, such as near lakes, streams and canals.

Mythology and symbolism

All willows were seen as trees of celebration in biblical times, but this changed over time and today willows are more associated with sadness and mourning. Willow is often referred to in poetry in this way, and is depicted as such in Shakespeare's Hamlet, with Ophelia drowning near a willow tree. In the north of the UK, willow branches are used instead of palm branches to celebrate Palm Sunday.

Uses of goat willow

Goat willow timber is soft and yellow in colour. Unlike most willows, its brittle twigs are not suitable for weaving. The wood burns well and makes a good fuel and charcoal.

Sallow wood was often used to make ‘wattle’ – a woven lattice of wooden strips which formed the framework of the walls of houses.

Traditionally, willows were used to relieve pain associated with a headache or toothache, and the painkiller aspirin is derived from salicin, a compound found in the bark of all Salix species. In medieval times, in many parts of Europe, the bark was chewed to release the salicin.

The bark was also boiled in water and the liquor drunk to relieve diarrhoea, help reduce joint inflammation in arthritis and as a gargle for sore throats. Externally, the liquor was used to stop bleeding, clean wounds and to treat general aches and pains.

Threats and conservation

Like other willows, goat willow is susceptible to watermark disease caused by the bacteria Brenneria salicis. Over time, this leads to affected branches dying back and red leaves developing in other parts of the crown. If left untreated, the tree can die.