Goat Willow
Salix caprea
The goat willow is a pioneer tree species reaching heights of up to 15 meters, well-known for its silvery-shimmering catkin blossoms. It is dioecious and flowers long before the leaves emerge, making it an essential first food source for pollinators. The species prefers fresh, nutrient-rich soils and colonizes clearings, forest edges, and fallow land.
Details
Oxygen production
Moderate oxygen production through photosynthesis during the growing season.
Habitat function
Important nesting site for birds and overwintering habitat for insects in the fissured bark.
Nutrient uptake
High nitrogen demand; contributes to nutrient sequestration near shores.
Food source for
Honey bees, bumblebees, hoverflies, caterpillars of the Purple Emperor and Mourning Cloak.
Human use
Formerly used for extraction of salicin (medicine) and tannins; today primarily as an ornamental plant and bee pasture.
Ecology
Ecological role
Keystone species for biodiversity; provides food for over 100 butterfly species and numerous wild bees.
Natural predators
Various beetle larvae (e.g., goat moth) and fungal diseases.
Competitor species
More competitive climax tree species like beech or oak in later successional stages.
Ecosystem service
Soil stabilization, erosion control, and provision of pollination resources in early spring.
Threats
Loss of edge habitats, intensive forestry, and excessive cutting of pussy willow catkins.
Scientific profile
Profile
Protection & threats
Main threats
Loss of natural river dynamics, intensive forestry (removal as 'softwood'), development of riparian buffer zones.