Salix caprea ‘Rosea’
caprea = goat rosea = pink
Pink Pussy Willow or Pink Goat Willow
A shrub or small tree from 10-20ft, smaller than the species. Flower buds are shiny chestnut brown and open to male catkins that are soft, silky and silvery to 2in long; they are produced early in the year long before the leaves develop. Then they gradually turn rosy-pink before turning yellow with pollen. Leaves are much broader than most willows. A non-fussy shrub that will grow anywhere with average to moist soil. Hardy to Zone 3.
USES: ornamental shrub, coppice regularly to keep a steady supply of young shoots that provide the most flowers; bring cut stems indoors for early bouquets
Stages of development of the male catkins; the Pink Goat Willow starts silvery-pink,
turns pink as the anthers swell and eventually yellow as the pollen bursts its anthers!
above and below: young shoots developing after coppicing showing rounded leaves
that are reticulate (netted veins) appearing on dark red stems.
Young vigorous straight red shoots that appear after coppicing.
Leaves have developed the typical wavy edges--a ready way to identify the Goat Willow.
Young coppiced plants with lots of sparkling yellow catkins! These were growing in too much shade, so I had to start a new group in more sun!
Flower buds in September, not very red yet,
but in late October they will be!
WillowWorld
of Michael Dodge