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Goat willow is a well-known species that is grown both as a tree and as a shrub. Depending on the variety, it reaches a height of 1.5-2, 6-8 and even 10-15 m. Willow grows for a very long time, life expectancy reaches 150 years. The basic rules for planting and care are described in this article.
Photo and description of goat willow
Goat willow is a tree, but is sometimes grown as a shrub. Belongs to the genus and family of willows of the same name. The name "goat's grass" comes from the fact that its branches and leaves are often eaten by goats as well as sheep. There are also other names:
- broom;
- bredina (with emphasis on the second syllable);
- Willow Hultena.
The photo shows that goat willow produces leaves similar to bird cherry foliage. They have an ovoid or lanceolate shape, reaching 5-18 cm in length, while the width is from 2 to 8 cm. The edges of the leaf plate are wavy, with grooves or solid. They are often jagged.The upper side is leathery, wrinkled, the veins are depressed. The color is rich green. The underside of the foliage is much lighter, grayish, felt-like.
The leaves look like bird cherry blades
The branches of goat willow are quite thick and spread out well. Initially, the surface is grayish and pubescent, but after a year the shoots acquire a greenish-gray or yellowish-brown tint. They are slightly hairy, although sometimes they are naked. With age they become brownish-gray in color and begin to break.
Goat willow has smooth bark with a greenish-gray tint, although it also begins to turn brown over the years. The buds are distant from the shoot, always bare, brown in color, and large in size. They reach no more than 5 mm in length and 3 mm in width. The stipules of goat willow are kidney-shaped, up to 7 mm long. They fall early. The petioles reach only 2 cm and widen at the base.
Height and diameter of goat willow crown
The tree grows quite quickly, so the size of the goat willow is quite impressive. The average height reaches 6-10 m, often up to 15 m. The willow has a not too thick trunk - up to 75 cm in diameter. Sometimes the willow grows to only 5-7 m - in this form it resembles a shrub rather than a tree. The crown reaches 5-6 m in diameter.
Goat willow blossom
Goat willow blooms in late April. The flowering period is short and lasts only 2-3 weeks, i.e. until mid-May. Produces thick and large earrings, each reaching a length of 3-4 cm, appearing in large quantities. They are divided into male and female, with the first somewhat smaller.
Already in May the fruits appear; they reach 7-8 mm in length. They are sparsely hairy capsules in which seeds (length up to 1.5 mm) are hidden in an amount of 16-18 pieces.Goat willow is very prolific - it produces many grains that can be carried by the wind hundreds of meters around.
Where does goat willow grow?
Goat willow is found almost everywhere in Europe, except in the polar regions, as well as in the highlands of the Alps. In the east, the range reaches Central and Western Asia. Goat willow is also found in the south, in different regions of the Caucasus. The upper limit in the mountains is 2700 m above sea level. In Russia, willow grows in the European part, in Siberia and further up to the Far East.
Characteristics of goat willow
The tree adapts well to different climatic conditions. In nature, goat willow is found in a wide variety of regions, often growing in well-moistened mixed forests, but not on swampy soils. The main characteristics of the tree are described below.
Willow is a frost-resistant plant that can be grown in most Russian regions
Winter hardiness of goat willow
The winter hardiness of willow is characterized as high - many species and varieties can be grown even in the climatic conditions of Siberia. On the other hand, experienced gardeners note that in harsh winters, young shoots freeze slightly. Therefore, it is important to cover seedlings under the age of 3-4 years.
Lifespan of goat willow
The tree lives for a very long time and does not need to be replanted. Duration reaches 130-150 years. Therefore, it is extremely important to immediately choose a suitable landing site.
Beneficial properties of goat willow
Goat willow has long been used in various sectors of the economy:
- Honey plant (can produce up to 4 kg of honey per bee family).
- Tanning extract is extracted from plant tissues to treat leather.
- The bark can also be used to obtain a rich black pigment used in paints.
- Young branches along with leaves are used as food for goats and sheep.They contain biologically active substances, including vitamin C.
- Willow is also used in folk medicine. It is used to replenish vitamin C deficiency, to treat fever, and also as an astringent.
- The root system of goat willow grows well and structures the soil, so the tree is often used to strengthen slopes.
Types and varieties of goat willow
Several varieties have been developed based on goat willow. Among them the most popular are:
- Kilmarnock (Salix caprea Kilmarnock) is a weeping variety, reaches a height of only 1.5 m. The tree is an early flowering tree, producing catkins already at the end of March and in the first half of April. Willow grows well in lighted areas. It is characterized by increased winter hardiness.
- Pendula (Salix caprea Pendula) is a very common variety. It is grown on a trunk and a beautiful tree is obtained that grows only 1.5-2 m. Willow is not demanding on the composition of the soil, but at the same time it does not tolerate darkening and flooding. It is better to plant in a dry and well-lit place.
- Silberglanz (Salix caprea Silberglanz) is a slow-growing tree, reaches a height of 5-7 m. The crown of this goat willow is oval in shape, somewhat elongated. Shoots with a glossy, brown surface. It grows normally in partial shade and sun, but does not tolerate flooding.
- Salix caprea Mas grows up to 10 m, although its shape is more like a shrub. The crown is lush, spreading, very attractive. In mid-spring there is abundant flowering.
Planting goat willow
Willow planting is planned for March, in the southern regions it is possible in October. The site for it should be open and located on a small hill. Some varieties tolerate partial shade quite well. The sequence of actions when landing is as follows:
- Mark several holes 60 cm deep and wide. The interval depends on the characteristics of the variety - if the crown is very spreading, you should retreat at least 4 m.
- A layer of small stones is placed at the bottom.
- Add fertile soil mixture.
- Root a goat willow seedling in the center.
- Sprinkle with soil and tamp down a little so that the root collar goes to a significant depth of 12-15 cm.
- Water with settled water and mulch after a few days.
Caring for goat willow
Goat willow is unpretentious and does not require special care. If you choose a suitable place for planting, it grows quite normally even in depleted soils. But it is worth considering that young seedlings need to be watered regularly - at least once a week. Mature trees are given water several times a season (maybe monthly). During drought, it is advisable to increase the amount of watering, but the soil should not be too wet.
The soil in the tree trunk circle is regularly loosened, especially after watering and rain. Weeding is carried out as necessary. Twice a season - in early spring and autumn - complex fertilizing is applied. Fertilizer can also be given during the flowering period - at this moment, water with mullein infusion 1:10.
One of the basic rules for growing goat willow, especially on a trunk, is regular pruning. In early spring, frost-damaged, dry and old branches are removed. After flowering, all young shoots of goat willow are shortened, leaving a third of the length. Thanks to this, a beautiful crown is formed.
Goat willow on a trunk
When planting, they often plan to grow goat willow on a trunk. To get a truly attractive tree, trimming begins immediately after flowering (but not before). The sequence of actions is as follows:
- All shoots of a young seedling are cut off so that as a result they are approximately the same length, 15 cm each.
- As they grow older, each spring the shoots are shortened so that a third of the length remains.
- A conventional point is marked, below which all branches are removed from the central trunk to create a bare trunk.
- When new shoots appear on the willow in the summer, they must be shortened without waiting until next spring (if they spread along the ground).
Goat willow propagation
There are different ways to propagate a tree. One of the simplest is propagation of goat willow by cuttings. To do this, at the end of spring, lignified shoots 40-50 cm long are cut, oblique cuts are made, and placed in a solution of “Kornevin” or another growth stimulant. After a few days, they are planted in fertile soil, covered with a jar and watered regularly. At the beginning of autumn, they are moved to a new place and covered for the winter.
You can also graft goat willow onto a trunk. This method is more difficult and takes longer. At the beginning of summer, grafting is done onto the standard into a split or by budding. The cuttings are secured with tape, and the damage is treated with garden varnish. In winter, the willow grafting site is carefully covered so that the wood does not freeze.
Diseases and pests
In waterlogged soils, willow is at risk of suffering from powdery mildew and other fungal infections. For prevention, it is necessary to monitor the watering rate. Every spring it is recommended to apply fungicides:
- "Ordan";
- "Profit";
- "HOM";
- "Abiga Peak".
Of the pests, dodder, willow gall midge and aphids are especially dangerous. To combat them in the summer, willow is also treated with insecticides:
- "Fitoverm";
- "Aktara";
- "Colorado";
- "Ephoria".
Goat willow in landscape design
Willow looks beautiful when planted alone in fairly spacious areas.It is used to decorate the shores of water bodies. It can also be used as the main element of a composition with ornamental grasses. The main uses of wood in garden design are presented below:
- Planting goat willow next to the road.
- Another option for planting next to the path.
- Willow in a single planting.
- Tree on a trunk.
Conclusion
Goat willow is a fairly popular tree because it is easy to grow. Decorates the garden with an attractive crown and abundant flowering. Serves as a honey plant, provides the appearance of bees and other beneficial insects. Willow is undemanding in terms of care, but requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
