Willow (Goats willow), (Pussy Willow)
Salix Caprea
Salix Caprea – Goats willow also known as pussy willow or sallow. Normally grows as a sizeable bush but occasionally reaches 10 metres as a small tree. In spring, male trees are quite stunning with their display of bright yellow catkins. The female tree’s catkins develop cottony seeds which are released into the wind during May. It has smooth bark twigs and the leaves are quite rounded.
Full Description
These may be dwarf shrubs, bushes or large trees. Many are suitable for ornamental use. Coppice and pollards of some provide superb winter twig colours. Most willows tolerate wet ground (so do not plant over drains), but not sustained total immersion.
They are good for wildlife being host to numerous herbivores including mammals and invertebrates. The larger trees contribute meaningfully to the wetland landscape. Elderly pollards qualify as veteran trees
Value to wildlife – Goat willow foliage is eaten by caterpillars of a number of moths, including the sallow kitten, sallow clearwing, dusky clearwing and lunar hornet clearwing. It is also the main food plant for the purple emperor butterfly.
Catkins provide an important early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and birds use goat willow to forage for caterpillars and other insects.. Very productive early coppice regrowth of some willow clones makes
Delivery
All our stock if “lifted” to order, which means that they are “lifted” and packed the same day and sent off so delivery is made the following day hence you receive them as fresh as possible. They are well packed and they are able to stay in the bags they arrive in for up to 7/10 days out of any frosts but it is advisable to plant bareroot trees as soon as possible. We are able to give you a suitable delivery date after the order has been placed when we email your order of acknowledgement to you. Unlike other nurseries who usually say within 3-5 days we can give you a definite day.
As soon as we receive your order we can usually send these out within the week. We use a courier and a signature will be required UNLESS you inform us (in the comments box) of where you would like your goods left safely should you not be at home. It is possible to select a day (apart from week-ends and Fridays) when ordering.
Delivery Charges
We will send you a delivery date via email when we receive your order.
Very SMALL ORDERS between quantities of 1-15 in size 40/60 can usually be sent out via ROYAL MAIL (UK mainland only) for as little as £8.00. Your basket will still show £15.00 plus vat for delivery charge BUT if you put in the COMMENTS BOX that you wish delivery by ROYAL MAIL we can pick this up and change the payment when the order is submitted . All other order are priced as:-
- Orders up to £75 – delivery £15 plus vat
- £76 – £200 – delivery £22 plus vat
- £201 – £300 – delivery £30 plus vat
- £301 – £500 – delivery £40 plus vat
- £501 – £1000 – delivery £45 plus vat
- £1001 plus – delivery £50 plus vat
Scotland Grampians/Highlands do carry an extra delivery charge according to our couriers – we can advise on this extra charge.
Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Northern and Southern Ireland. It is possible for us to arrange delivery to these areas but we would have to arrange the cost with our couriers so please contact our office 01452 832100.