Tree · Salicaceae family
goat willow
Salix caprea
In short a 10-second read
Goat willow (tree) grows to 3.5–10 m tall and 2.5–5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in March; the flowers are yellow. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 2.5–5 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, clay, sandy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
March · yellow
Pruning
hard rejuvenation pruning (as needed)
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does goat willow flower?
In March; the flowers are yellow.
Does goat willow tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does goat willow need?
At maturity 2.5–5 m wide and 3.5–10 m tall; recommended spacing 250 cm.
Does goat willow survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (13)
- GBIF — Salix caprea
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Van den Berk
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikipedia (EN)
- RHS - Watering
- RHS - Salix caprea
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
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