Russian Golden Willow
Salix alba
Russian Golden Willow (Salix alba) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs high water, and prefers full sun.
high water40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Полина Полежанкина, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Weak WoodBrittle wood that heavy spring snow and wind like to snap, so prune for strong structure and keep it clear of roofs, wires, and drives.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers
- Cytospora canker
- Aphids and leaf beetles
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Russian Golden Willow good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Russian Golden Willow is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Russian Golden Willow get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Russian Golden Willow need?
- Give Russian Golden Willow about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Russian Golden Willow grow into?
- Russian Golden Willow typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Russian Golden Willow hardy on the Front Range?
- Russian Golden Willow is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Russian Golden Willow need?
- It needs high water once established.
- How fast does Russian Golden Willow grow?
- Russian Golden Willow is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Russian Golden Willow live?
- Russian Golden Willow is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Russian Golden Willow native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Russian Golden Willow deer-resistant?
- No. Russian Golden Willow is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Russian Golden Willow prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Russian Golden Willow can be affected by borers and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
