The Goat Willow (Salix caprea), also known as the Pussy Willow or Great Sallow, is a common species of willow native to Europe and northwestern Africa.
It is a deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching a height of 6-14 m, rarely to 20 m. The leaves are 5-12 cm long and from 3-8 cm wide, broader than most other willows. The flowers are down-like 3-7 cm long catkins in early spring. The seeds are very small (about 0.2 mm) and have fine hairs to aid in dispersal; they require bare soil to germinate. Goat Willow is at home in both wet environments, such as riverbanks, and drier sites, wherever bare soil is available. Unlike almost all other willows, Goat Willow does not take root readily from cuttings; if a willow resembling a Goat Willow does root, it is probably a hybrid with another species of willow (hybrid willows are very frequent).
Both tannin and salicin can be extracted from Goat Willow bark. The tree is not considered a good source of timber as its wood is both brittle and known to crack violently if burned. Its common name refers to its spring foliage being a favoured forage item of goats. The leaves are eaten by the larvae of some Lepidoptera including Emperor Moth, Common Emerald, Common Marbled Carpet, Common Pug, Clouded Border, Feathered Thorn and Dotted Border. The catkins are eaten by the larva of the Slender Pug.
