Willow — Pussy (Goat willow)

Salix caprea

Smaller willow with silver catkins — the "pussy willow" of late winter. Same medicinal salicin content as white willow, on a more garden-friendly plant.

Hardiness ratings

Willow — Pussy (Goat willow) hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–4 −15 °C to 5 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Catkins are an exceptional early-spring pollen source for emerging queen bees — a critical wildlife plant
  • Same salicylate cautions as white willow
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Willow — Pussy (Goat willow) against your zones

Reference

Willow — Pussy (Goat willow) on Wikipedia