Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow
Salix alba
Niobe Weeping: Tristis 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 50–70 ft tall and 50–70 ft wide, fast-growing, needs high water, and prefers full sun.
high water50–70 ft tall and 50–70 ft wide
Photos
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Salix alba
- Variety / cultivar
- Niobe Weeping: Tristis
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–70 ft tall and 50–70 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~70 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Water needs
- high 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: 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Niobe Weeping: Tristis 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 Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 50–70 ft wide.
- How much room does Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow need?
- Give Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow about 70 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow grow into?
- Niobe Weeping: Tristis 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 Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow hardy on the Front Range?
- Niobe Weeping: Tristis 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 Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow need?
- It needs high water once established.
- How fast does Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow grow?
- Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow live?
- Niobe Weeping: Tristis 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 Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow deer-resistant?
- No. Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Niobe Weeping: Tristis Willow prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Niobe Weeping: Tristis 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.
