Globe 'Navajo' Willow
Salix matsudana
Globe 'Navajo' Willow (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 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Iron chlorosis is common in our alkaline soils.
low to medium water15 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Wesley Webb, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 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 rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
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.
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 to 10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1 to 2×/month October to 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' Willow good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Globe 'Navajo' Willow 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' Willow 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' Willow get?
- It matures to about 15 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide.
- How much room does Globe 'Navajo' Willow need?
- Give Globe 'Navajo' Willow about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Globe 'Navajo' Willow grow into?
- Globe 'Navajo' 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 Globe 'Navajo' Willow hardy on the Front Range?
- Globe 'Navajo' Willow is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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' Willow need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Globe 'Navajo' Willow grow?
- Globe 'Navajo' Willow is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Globe 'Navajo' Willow live?
- Globe 'Navajo' 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 Globe 'Navajo' Willow native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Globe 'Navajo' Willow prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Globe 'Navajo' 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.
