Goat Willow
Salix caprea
Sailchearnach

This is a large shrub or small tree growing up to 10 metres (32 feet) tall, and occasionally more. Its leaves are dark green, hairless and relatively smooth above but wrinkled and covered with grey down underneath, oval to oblong or almost round, shortly pointed, up to 13 cm long, and about one and a half times as long as broad.
Stipules are small and ear-shaped. Its catkins are15 to 25 mm long and appear before the leaves. It is one of the most easily recognised willows in Ireland with its large and broad leaves.

This species was cut on Palm Sunday in Ireland, and a staff of this willow carried on a journey was said to be lucky. It is native and a common species through the country, occurring on damp and rough ground, in woods and hedges, and not only in wet habitats. Deciduous; flowers from March to April.

Information extracted from the Appletree Press title
Appletree Deluxe Editions: Trees and Shrubs
by Peter Wyse-Jackson. Appletree Deluxe Editions: Ireland's Flora & Fauna - Collection, comprising Trees and Shrubs, Birds of Ireland and Wild Flowers.