Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow
Salix alba
Russian Golden: Vitellina 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 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs high water, and prefers full sun.
high water40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Salix alba
- Variety / cultivar
- Russian Golden: Vitellina
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- 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
- 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 Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Russian Golden: Vitellina 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 Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow need?
- Give Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow grow into?
- Russian Golden: Vitellina 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 Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow hardy on the Front Range?
- Russian Golden: Vitellina 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 Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow need?
- It needs high water once established.
- How fast does Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow grow?
- Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow live?
- Russian Golden: Vitellina 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 Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow deer-resistant?
- No. Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Russian Golden: Vitellina Willow prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Russian Golden: Vitellina 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.
