Globe - 'Navajo'
Salix matsudana
Globe - 'Navajo' (Salix matsudana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Iron chlorosis is common in our alkaline soils.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Not Recommended
- Botanical name
- Salix matsudana
- Variety / cultivar
- Globe - 'Navajo'
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- high
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Borers and Cytospora canker, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
- 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: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
- Watch: Re-seedsIt sets seed freely and plants itself around the yard, so pull the volunteer seedlings unless you want more of them.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
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.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Globe - 'Navajo' good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Globe - 'Navajo' is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Globe - 'Navajo' not recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Main pressure here is Borers and Cytospora canker, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site. 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 big does Globe - 'Navajo' get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.
- How much room does Globe - 'Navajo' need?
- Give Globe - 'Navajo' about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Globe - 'Navajo' grow into?
- Globe - 'Navajo' 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 Globe - 'Navajo' hardy on the Front Range?
- Globe - 'Navajo' 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 Globe - 'Navajo' need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Globe - 'Navajo' grow?
- Globe - 'Navajo' is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Globe - 'Navajo' live?
- Globe - 'Navajo' 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 Globe - 'Navajo' native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Globe - 'Navajo' deer-resistant?
- No. Globe - 'Navajo' is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Globe - 'Navajo' prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Globe - 'Navajo' 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.
