tree RHS Award

Weeping Pussy Willow

Salix caprea 'Pendula'

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium to Wet

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Short-lived (20-30 years)

Native To

Europe, Western and Central Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Salix caprea, or goat willow, is a fast-growing willow known for its large, fuzzy catkins that appear before the leaves in late winter. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, and thrives in moist conditions. 'Pendula' is a popular male clone with a strong weeping habit, typically grafted onto a standard rootstock to create a small, umbrella-shaped tree. Its branches cascade to the ground, covered in large, silky catkins in late winter, providing a dramatic early-season display.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This small tree is a living sculpture, prized for its strongly weeping form that creates a graceful, cascading mound. In late winter, before any leaves appear, the bare branches are covered in large, fuzzy, silver catkins that are beautiful to see and touch.

Its small, predictable size makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, courtyards, or as a specimen plant in a mixed border. The cut stems are highly valued for early spring floral arrangements.

The catkins are a vital, very early source of pollen for emerging native bees and other pollinators when few other food sources are available. It provides an essential kick-start to the pollinator season.

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole so the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year.
Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Prune all weeping branches back to just a few buds from the main framework right after flowering to control size and promote vigorous new growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide plenty of water; willows are not drought tolerant.
Prune annually after flowering to maintain the weeping shape.
Remove any suckers that emerge from the rootstock below the graft.
Use the cut branches with catkins for indoor arrangements.

Don't

Do not plant near septic systems or water lines, as roots are invasive.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it responds well to coppicing.
Do not allow grass or weeds to grow up against the trunk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic specimen for small gardensGraceful accent near water featuresEarly spring focal point in mixed borders

Companion Plants

Helleborus Galanthus nivalis Crocus Iris reticulata Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeping Pussy Willow questions

What zones can Weeping Pussy Willow grow in?

Weeping Pussy Willow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Weeping Pussy Willow deer resistant?

Yes — Weeping Pussy Willow is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Weeping Pussy Willow bloom?

Weeping Pussy Willow typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Weeping Pussy Willow need full sun?

Weeping Pussy Willow does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.