Origin:  Native to Europe and central and western Asia
Family:  Salicaceae
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  12-15'
Spacing:  4-6'
Blooms:  Ornamental, delicate soft silver-pink catkins, before leaves appear, late Winter
Foliage:  4" long, deciduous, green
Soil:  Well-drained, composted, sandy, clayey, acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline, keep moist
Water:  Regular
Uses:  Hedges, landscape, floral arrangements, butterfly garden, bird garden
Propagation:  Layering, cuttings

Comments:  Salix caprea or French Pussywillow or Goat Willow or Kilmarnock Willow or Weeping Pussywillow is a multi-stemmed shrub with a fast growth habit.  It is a native of Europe and also central and western Asia.  In late Winter or early Spring, Salix capre produces red buds that open to ornate wooly, silver-pink  catkins on previous year's growth, before the leaves appear.  The cut stems make long lasting floral arrangements.  Kilmarnock is a harbinger of Spring.  Prune for shape or cut back to 6" every few years after flowering to promote longer stems and abundant blooms.  French Pussywillow is easily propagated from stem cuttings or simple layering.  It thrives in most soils but best in composted, acidic or mildly alkaline moist soil, in a sunny or part shade environment.  Goat Willow is a host plant for many different types of butterflies.  It is a terrific show stopper in the sunny landscape.  

USDA Zones:  4-9