barbarathomson

By barbarathomson

Goat Willow

Number two in my quest to identify willows, which is surprisingly difficult, even with many compares on internet and apps. This came up as grey willow at first but although Grey willow and Goat can hybridise I think it is Goat Salix caprea, 
This is because the leaves are broad and oval and have a twist at the tip. It also has pale triangular nodes forming at the base of the leaf stalks. Quite a few are shooting up vigorously with the silver birch in the clear fell at Hallgarth.
As the leaves dried out it produced a strong, rather acrid scent. so whether its name refers to it being a favourite food of goats, or smelling like one, who would know?

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