Peachleaf Willow
Salix amygdaloides
Peachleaf Willow (Salix amygdaloides) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 25–50 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. More common as a multistem.
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Colin Croft, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Colin Croft
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium 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
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 25–50 ft tall and 25–40 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
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- riparian
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.
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 Peachleaf Willow good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Peachleaf 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 Peachleaf Willow get?
- It matures to about 25–50 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Peachleaf Willow need?
- Give Peachleaf Willow about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Peachleaf Willow grow into?
- Peachleaf 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 Peachleaf Willow hardy on the Front Range?
- Peachleaf 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 Peachleaf Willow need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Peachleaf Willow grow?
- Peachleaf Willow is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Peachleaf Willow live?
- Peachleaf 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 Peachleaf Willow native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Peachleaf Willow deer-resistant?
- No. Peachleaf Willow is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Peachleaf Willow prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Peachleaf 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.
