Goat Willow

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A photo a day. 
Also known as Pussy Willow. 

A close up shot of Goat Willow seed pods. Early in spring, male flowers appear on branches – the soft, silky, silver hairy buds give rise to the alternate name of Pussy Willow. These turn into fluffy balls of pollen. Female flowers, on separate trees, are long green catkins that erupt into white fluff surrounding the seed in May or June.

Goat willow is a small willow tree or shrub that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is one of the earliest trees to flower in the spring, and its fluffy catkins are often used in decorations. Goat willow is a valuable tree for wildlife, and its bark and leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Goat willow is a deciduous tree or shrub that typically grows 6-15 meters tall. It has a rounded crown and smooth, gray bark. The leaves are oval-shaped and have serrated edges. They are green on the top and hairy on the bottom. Goat willow produces male and female catkins. The male catkins are fluffy and silver-gray, while the female catkins are green.

Goat willow is a pioneer species, which means that it is one of the first plants to colonize disturbed areas. It is often found in wet areas, such as riverbanks and marshes. Goat willow is also a common tree in hedgerows and woodlands.

Goat willow is an important tree for wildlife. Its catkins provide food for bees, butterflies, and other insects. The tree's leaves are eaten by caterpillars, and its bark is home to a variety of insects and spiders. Goat willow is also a valuable food source for birds, such as robins, thrushes, and wrens.

The bark and leaves of goat willow have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The bark is used to make a tea that is said to relieve pain and inflammation. The leaves are used to make a poultice that is applied to bruises and swellings. Goat willow is also used to make a variety of herbal remedies, including cough syrups, cold remedies, and diuretics.

Goat willow is a beautiful and versatile tree. It is an important part of the natural world, and it has many uses for humans. If you are looking for a tree to add to your landscape, goat willow is a great choice.

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