Salix caprea L. Goat Willow, Pussy Willow or Great Sallow. Small tree or shrub, native to Europe (including Britain) and north-east Asia. Height to about 10m (33ft) but often shrubby. Catkins open on bare twigs in March and April, males grey and silky turning yellow, females green, both up to 3cm (1¼in). Female flowers develop into green capsules which release white tufted seeds in May. Leaves are broad for a willow on a red downy stem. Often rather wrinkled and with soft grey hairs underneath. Shoots have grey hairs at first and become shiny red brown.