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Goat willow

Goat willow
Photo: 4028mdk09, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Invasive Plant
Goat willow
Salix × calodendron*, S. caprea*, S. cinerea*, S. reichardtii
 

Goat willows are small deciduous trees to 10m tall that have been grown for the fluffy male flower clusters (pussy willows). There are several trunks from ground level and dense branching with grey or greenish bark. The leaves are oval, soft, sometimes felted with hairs and  wavy edges.  Buds are brown and pointed, opening in winter to reveal flowering catkins which are either all male or female on a plant, followed by new leaves. The seeds are tiny with the fine cottony hairs.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

Willows colonise stream banks in areas such as the Adelaide Hills where they exclude native vegetation and can block the stream, preventing access and slowing the escape of flood water.

 
 
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Additional suggested alternatives: Moonah, dryland tea-tree (Melaleuca lanceolata), Weeping myall (Acacia pendula), Willow myrtle (Agonis flexuosa cultivars eg. 'Jervis Bay After Dark', 'Burgundy'), weeping paperbark (Melaleuca leucodendra

 

Alternative Plants

Black wattle, Willow wattle, Broughton willow
Photo: Gondwana Landscapes & Consultancy and State Flora
Alternative Plant Black wattle, Willow wattle, Broughton willow
Acacia salicina
Trees and Shrubs
 
A versatile ornamental wattle, useful for inland gardens. An excellent windbreak plant due to its bushy habit. This Acacia does have a tendency to sucker which makes it good for erosion control but not an appropriate choice for streets, driveways or narrow spaces.  The willow wattle is indigenous across much of South Australia. 
Bower wattle
Photo: Nursery & Garden Industry South Australia
Alternative Plant Bower wattle
Acacia cognata
Trees and Shrubs
 
The bower wattle is a fast-growing, attractive 4 to 10m tall tree with a weeping habit suitable for screening.  It has decorative lush foliage with 4 to 6m spread  It will fit well within large gardens of native, exotic, oriental or tropical styles.  Requires good drainiage and once established, these acacias are moderately dry tolerant. Tolerates light frost.  The dwarf cultivar 'River Cascade' is more appropriate for smaller gardens reaching 1.2 to 3.6m high.
Snow in summer, narrow-leaf paperbark
Photo: Gondwana Landscapes & Consultancy and State Flora
Alternative Plant Snow in summer, narrow-leaf paperbark
Melaleuca linariifolia
Trees and Shrubs
 
A fast growing, small melaleuca growing to 5 to 7m tall and 3 to 5m wide from coastal New South Wales and Queensland. Plant in full sun to get the best effect of the snow-like covering of white flowers. Can be grown as a screen or windbreak. Prune after flowering. Provides habitat for local wildlife.  Tolerates moderate frost and requires some moderate supplementary water over periods of dry heat.
 
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