Salix caprea - Goat Willow
Goat willow trees are very common in Wales, especially in the west.
Smaller that the white willow, goat willow - also known as Pussy Willow -
has lovely downy flowers in early spring, before the leaf buds burst.
These trees love wet soil. Beside lakes they often grow as
multi-stemmed bushes, whereas on riverbanks they more often grow are
standard trees. They are capable of growing to substantial size, although
rarely reaching much above 15 metres tall; they have a tendency to spread,
sometimes leaning until branches touch the ground and take root.
Goat willow was used for making clothes pegs. Some tool
handles were also made from this timber. It is not a popular firewood
because of its tendency to 'spit' as it burns.
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