Plant Details

Salix caprea

Goat Willow, Kilmarnock Willow, Pink Pussy Willow, Pussy Willow

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Salix caprea.

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General Information

Scientific name: Salix caprea
Also known as: Goat Willow, Kilmarnock Willow, Pink Pussy Willow, Pussy Willow

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree
Size: Medium
Height: 10.00 m
Width: 8.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-9
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Wet, Well-drained
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun, Partial shade

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Inner bark, Tea
Edibility:
(1)
Medicinal:
(2)
Features:
Basketry, Charcoal, Paper, Pioneer species, Windbreak, Wood, Bee forage

Description

The inner bark of a tree can be eaten both raw and cooked. After the bark has been dried, it can be ground into a powder and added to grain flour. With this flour, it is possible to make various foodstuffs, such as bread. The inner bark has a very bitter taste, especially when fresh, and can serve as food in times of famine. The leaves and young shoots of the tree can also be eaten raw or cooked, but they are not very palatable. During periods of food scarcity or famine, these are used. The leaves can even serve as a substitute for tea.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/03
End of Harvest: 30/04

Crown Data

Crown Type: Broad weeping
Crown Density: Dense crown