salida colorado tree guide

deciduous trees

large trees

Willow
Salix species
Willow Salix species

Willow Salix species

Willows range from thicket-forming shrubs such as the streambank willow growing along streams around Salida to stately, fat-trunked trees like the native peach-leaved willows that grow in Riverside Park. The species hybridize easily, making horticultural varieties confusing.

Height: varies, up to 45’
Crown Spread: varies, up to 30’
Growth Rate: fast
Flowers: catkins
Foliage: leaves generally lance-shaped or linear, green above and more or less silvery underneath
Soil: moist to poorly drained
Water: high
Sun: full
Problems: aphids, spider mites, fast growth equals brittle wood and a short life span, invasive roots, water consumer
Comments: Peach-leaved Willow and Globe Willow are probably the best for yards, but are large trees. Weeping Willows lose limbs in wind and snowstorms.
Street Tree: not recommended

 

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Published by The Salida Tree Board, with funding from the Colorado Tree Coalition. All material on this website ©2004 Salida Tree Board