Overview
Salix caprea is a bushy shrubs in the genus Salix, part of the Salicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 8-12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Salix caprea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include coastal, wildlife gardens and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Europe to NE Asia.
About
Salix caprea is a sizable, broad, and rounded deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching heights of approximately 9 meters. It features short-stalked, broadly elliptical leaves that can grow up to 10 centimeters long, exhibiting a greyish hue on their undersides. In spring, before leaf emergence, the plant produces silvery-grey catkins; the male catkins measure around 4 centimeters and display golden anthers, while the female catkins can reach lengths of up to 7 centimeters and are green.
About the genus
Salix consists of deciduous shrubs and trees exhibiting a variety of forms. They feature simple leaves and small flowers that grow in catkins, with male and female flowers typically found on separate specimens. Certain species are appreciated for their vibrant winter stems, while others are recognized for their leaves or prominent male catkins.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Salix
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Salix caprea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe to NE Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salix caprea
- Cultivation
- Grow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk soils
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood) in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Salix caprea?
Grow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk soils.
Where is the best place to plant Salix caprea?
Salix caprea prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Salix caprea need?
Salix caprea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Salix caprea?
Pruning group 1.
How big does Salix caprea grow?
Salix caprea reaches a height of 8-12 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Salix caprea hardy in the UK?
Salix caprea has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Salix caprea?
Propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood) in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
Is Salix caprea good for pollinators?
Yes — Salix caprea attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.