Prairie Cascade Willow
Salix x 'Prairie Cascade'
Prairie Cascade Willow (Salix x 'Prairie Cascade') 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 35–45 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs high water, and prefers full sun.
high water35–45 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Salix x 'Prairie Cascade'
- Variety / cultivar
- Prairie Cascade, Weeping
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 35–45 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Weeping
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 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
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- 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 Prairie Cascade Willow good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Prairie Cascade 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 Prairie Cascade Willow get?
- It matures to about 35–45 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Prairie Cascade Willow need?
- Give Prairie Cascade Willow about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Prairie Cascade Willow grow into?
- Prairie Cascade Willow typically grows into a weeping habit with pendulous branches, usually grown as a specimen. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Prairie Cascade Willow hardy on the Front Range?
- Prairie Cascade Willow is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Prairie Cascade Willow need?
- It needs high water once established.
- How fast does Prairie Cascade Willow grow?
- Prairie Cascade Willow is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Prairie Cascade Willow live?
- Prairie Cascade 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 Prairie Cascade Willow native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Prairie Cascade Willow deer-resistant?
- No. Prairie Cascade Willow is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Prairie Cascade Willow prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Prairie Cascade 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.
