diff --git a/docs/README.md b/docs/README.md
index f6a319a..cf9af88 100644
--- a/docs/README.md
+++ b/docs/README.md
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 # submarine — documentation
 
 submarine is a terminal UI for git repositories with many (recursively nested)
-submodules. It shows **only the submodules**, as a collapsible tree, and
+submodules. It shows **the submodules**, as a collapsible tree (plus the state
+of the superproject itself in the header), and
 describes each pin as a **branch plus distance** (`origin/main ↓1`) instead of a
 bare commit hash.
 
diff --git a/docs/decisions.md b/docs/decisions.md
index 82e0a58..5da68b9 100644
--- a/docs/decisions.md
+++ b/docs/decisions.md
@@ -258,3 +258,27 @@ one word, D3). It is not counted in `+n`, because `+n` and the header count
 issues and a staged pin stays quiet (D4). A collapsed row shows `●` if a
 staged pin is hidden below it (`Hidden.Staged`), placed before the `·k`
 counts so truncation of the 16-column cell cuts the counts first.
+
+## Superproject is selectable in the header
+
+The state of the root repository was invisible: a submodule the current
+branch no longer has stays on disk as an untracked repository, root files
+can be modified, HEAD can be unpushed. The root becomes a node with an
+empty path (the convention `Fetcher`/`Change` already use), selected on
+startup, and the **header** is its row: it already holds the root's path,
+branch and ahead/behind, and a tree row would cost a line and an indent
+level for an item that is not part of the tree. Selecting the header shows
+the usual detail pane; the header also shows the root's state word, so a
+problem is visible while a submodule is selected.
+
+- *Changes ignore submodules* (`--ignore-submodules=all`): off-pin and staged
+  pins already have their rows; counting them again would make the root
+  `changed` in most real repositories.
+- *Unpushed stays Danger*: same issue kind and level as a submodule, one
+  rule for "work that exists only here" (D4).
+- *The ref is the upstream*, not the closest branch: the header shows
+  ahead/behind of the upstream, and "up to date" means relative to the
+  tracked branch. A nearer feature branch would make the two disagree.
+  Without an upstream the usual resolution applies.
+- The root is not in `Walk`, so counts, fetch and loading logic stay
+  submodule-only; the app tracks it by the path `""`.
diff --git a/docs/requirements.md b/docs/requirements.md
index d4e3bb1..e74293e 100644
--- a/docs/requirements.md
+++ b/docs/requirements.md
@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@ commit hashes. It doesn't answer the questions users actually have:
 
 ## Goals
 
-- Show **only submodules** (not files), recursively nested, as a tree.
+- Show **only submodules** (not files), recursively nested, as a tree; the
+  superproject itself is shown by the header, which is selectable.
 - Describe pins as **ref + distance** instead of a commit hash.
 - Let **problems stand out** and keep healthy submodules quiet.
 - Work comfortably with **dozens to hundreds** of submodules.
@@ -56,7 +57,7 @@ commit hashes. It doesn't answer the questions users actually have:
 
 ### Detail pane
 
-- **F20** Shows the selected submodule: full path, name, all issues in
+- **F20** Shows the selected submodule (or the superproject): full path, name, all issues in
   words, staged-pin and detached-HEAD notes.
 - **F21** Shows the resolved ref, how it was resolved, and three commits:
   **Pinned**, **Checkout** and **Tip** (SHA + subject). A checkout that
@@ -72,10 +73,19 @@ commit hashes. It doesn't answer the questions users actually have:
   shown; the rest is summarized as "n more" with their kinds. Staged and
   unstaged changes are combined.
 
+- **F25** The superproject is selectable (the header; selected on startup)
+  and has a state of its own, so a stale checkout shows up: files changed
+  or untracked, untracked repositories (e.g. a submodule clone the current
+  branch no longer has), conflicts, and HEAD not pushed. Its HEAD is compared
+  with the upstream of the branch. Submodules do not count for it, their rows
+  show them. The detail pane shows it like a submodule (HEAD and Tip instead
+  of Pinned and Checkout, a summary of all submodules instead of Children).
+  See [state-model.md](state-model.md#superproject).
+
 ### Header and footer
 
 - **F30** The header shows the superproject path, its branch and
-  ahead/behind, the number of submodules, a count per issue kind (most
+  ahead/behind, its own state word (**F25**), the number of submodules, a count per issue kind (most
   severe first), staged pins, how many are still loading, and the time since
   the last fetch.
 - **F31** The footer shows key hints; `?` toggles the full help. It
@@ -108,7 +118,7 @@ commit hashes. It doesn't answer the questions users actually have:
   A text input above the footer takes the term; `esc` closes it and removes
   the filter. A selection that is filtered out moves to the next visible
   submodule (none if nothing matches); closing the filter keeps the
-  selection. See [Filter](ux-guide.md#filter).
+  selection (the superproject if none is left). See [Filter](ux-guide.md#filter).
 
 ### Actions (planned, not implemented)
 
diff --git a/docs/state-model.md b/docs/state-model.md
index 9362670..e9827cd 100644
--- a/docs/state-model.md
+++ b/docs/state-model.md
@@ -103,6 +103,24 @@ per level, red first, then yellow, so a danger can never hide inside a
 collapsed subtree and a warning is never mistaken for one.
 A descendant whose load failed (`error`) counts as one danger.
 
+## Superproject
+
+The superproject is a node with an empty `Path` (`Repo.Root`, no children;
+`Submodule.IsRoot()`) and a `Status` with `Root` set. It reuses the pin
+fields with **pin = HEAD**: `Pinned` and `CheckedOut` are HEAD, `Checkout`
+is never `CheckoutDiffers` (`CheckoutDetached` for a detached HEAD),
+`PinStaged` is false. `Issues()` is the same code; only `unpushed` says
+"HEAD not pushed to any remote" (Danger, like a submodule's pin).
+
+- **Ref** is the upstream of the current branch (`RefFromCurrentBranch`), so
+  ahead/behind agrees with the header. Closest-branch resolution is only the
+  fallback without an upstream (detached, or no upstream configured).
+- **Changes** ignore submodules (`status --ignore-submodules=all`): an off-pin
+  or staged submodule is shown by its own row, not twice. A leftover
+  directory of a submodule the branch no longer has is an untracked
+  repository.
+- `Walk` and the header counts do not include the root.
+
 ## Resolving a pin to a ref
 
 The pin is displayed as a ref, not a hash. A commit can be on several
diff --git a/docs/ux-guide.md b/docs/ux-guide.md
index 5950261..40fac47 100644
--- a/docs/ux-guide.md
+++ b/docs/ux-guide.md
@@ -75,6 +75,11 @@ indent ▸ name [n]   status          ref             delta
 
 ### Detail pane
 
+For the superproject (header selected), `Pinned` / `Checkout` become one
+`HEAD` line, the commit list says "HEAD is n commits behind …", and
+`Children` becomes `Modules` (count and issues of all submodules). See
+[Superproject](state-model.md#superproject).
+
 1. Directory (muted) and name (bold)
 2. One line per issue: word (colored, 10 columns) + explanation;
    `in sync  nothing to do` if there are none and no pin is staged;
@@ -136,7 +141,13 @@ Changes   5 files · 2M 1A 1D 1R · +37 −12
 - Untracked directories are shown as one entry (`tmp/`).
 ### Header
 
-`path  branch ↑↓ · n submodules · n error · <count> <issue>… · n pin staged · n loading · <fetch>`
+The header is the superproject's row: it is selected on startup and drawn
+with the selected background (bold) while selected. After the branch it
+shows the superproject's own state word like a tree row (`in sync`,
+`changed`, `unpushed +1`, spinner, `error`). The counts that follow are
+about submodules only.
+
+`path  branch ↑↓ state · n submodules · n error · <count> <issue>… · n pin staged · n loading · <fetch>`
 
 Issue counts are ordered by severity (unpushed, conflict, missing, off pin,
 changed), each in its level color. Zero counts are omitted. `n loading`
@@ -195,13 +206,13 @@ colors in components.
 
 | Key | Behavior |
 |---|---|
-| `↑` / `k`, `↓` / `j` | Previous / next submodule; directory headers are skipped |
+| `↑` / `k`, `↓` / `j` | Previous / next submodule; directory headers are skipped. `↑` from the first submodule selects the header (superproject) |
 | `space` | Toggle expand/collapse of the selected submodule |
-| `→` / `l` | Collapsed with children: expand and select the first child. Expanded: select the first child. Leaf: nothing |
-| `←` / `h` | Expanded: collapse it (stays selected). Otherwise: collapse the parent and select it. Top level: nothing |
+| `→` / `l` | Header selected: first submodule. Collapsed with children: expand and select the first child. Expanded: select the first child. Leaf: nothing |
+| `←` / `h` | Expanded: collapse it (stays selected). Otherwise: collapse the parent and select it. Top level: select the header (superproject) |
 | `L` / `shift+→` / `ctrl+→` | Expand all; then follow the first child from the selection down to a submodule without children |
 | `H` / `shift+←` / `ctrl+←` | Collapse all (resets remembered expansion); select the top-level ancestor |
-| `home` / `g`, `end` / `G` | First / last submodule |
+| `home` / `g`, `end` / `G` | Header (superproject) / last submodule |
 | `pgup`, `pgdn` | Move by one screen |
 | `?` | Toggle full help |
 | `q`, `ctrl+c` | Quit |
@@ -235,6 +246,7 @@ match vanish. If nothing matches the tree says `no submodule matches`.
   `/` edits the term again.
 - **`esc`** closes the input and removes the filter, in both modes. The
   selection stays; its ancestors are expanded so it is still visible.
+- The superproject is never filtered out; if nothing matches it is selected.
 - The filter line shows the keys that apply on its right.
 - The header counts are not filtered.
 
@@ -252,7 +264,7 @@ where the palette can't be shown, see [Key bar and palette](#key-bar-and-palette
 | `←` / `h`, `→` / `l` | Fold / unfold, parent / first child | Navigation | Bar, Help | yes |
 | `H` / `⇧←`, `L` / `⇧→` | Collapse / expand all | Navigation | Bar, Help | yes |
 | `space` | Toggle expand/collapse | Navigation | Bar, Help | yes |
-| `home` / `g`, `end` / `G` | First / last submodule | Navigation | Help | yes |
+| `home` / `g`, `end` / `G` | Header / last submodule | Navigation | Help | yes |
 | `pgup`, `pgdn` | Move by one screen | Navigation | Help | yes |
 | `c` | Copy path | Submodule | Palette, Help | yes |
 | `u` | Checkout pin | Submodule | Help | no (flashes "not implemented") |
@@ -266,7 +278,7 @@ where the palette can't be shown, see [Key bar and palette](#key-bar-and-palette
 
 ### Mouse
 
-- Click a row: select it.
+- Click a row: select it. Click the header: select the superproject.
 - Click `▸` / `▾`: select and toggle.
 - Scroll wheel: move the selection.
 
diff --git a/internal/submodule/git/provider.go b/internal/submodule/git/provider.go
index f769582..1c5e625 100644
--- a/internal/submodule/git/provider.go
+++ b/internal/submodule/git/provider.go
@@ -85,6 +85,13 @@ func (p *Provider) Tree(ctx context.Context) (*submodule.Repo, error) {
 		}
 	}
 
+	repo.Root = &submodule.Submodule{Name: filepath.Base(p.root), Path: ""}
+	if remote, err := remoteName(ctx, p.root); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	} else if remote != "" {
+		repo.Root.URL, _, _ = try(ctx, p.root, "config", "--get", "remote."+remote+".url")
+	}
+
 	mods := map[string]info{}
 	subs, err := p.build(ctx, p.root, nil, mods)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -141,6 +148,9 @@ func (p *Provider) Status(ctx context.Context, path string) (*submodule.Status,
 	case <-ctx.Done():
 		return nil, ctx.Err()
 	}
+	if path == "" {
+		return p.rootStatus(ctx)
+	}
 	p.mu.RLock()
 	in, ok := p.mods[path]
 	p.mu.RUnlock()
@@ -208,17 +218,79 @@ func status(ctx context.Context, in info) (*submodule.Status, error) {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
+	if err := pinState(ctx, in, st, pin, head, branch, nil); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return st, nil
+}
+
+// rootStatus describes the superproject. Its "pin" is HEAD, compared with the
+// upstream of the current branch; submodules are ignored, their rows show
+// them.
+func (p *Provider) rootStatus(ctx context.Context) (*submodule.Status, error) {
+	in := info{superDir: p.root, dir: p.root}
+	st := &submodule.Status{Root: true}
+	if gitDir, _, err := gitDirs(in.dir); err == nil {
+		if fi, err := os.Stat(filepath.Join(gitDir, "FETCH_HEAD")); err == nil {
+			st.FetchedAt = fi.ModTime()
+		}
+	}
+
+	head, err := run(ctx, in.dir, "rev-parse", "HEAD")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	branch, onBranch, err := try(ctx, in.dir, "symbolic-ref", "--short", "-q", "HEAD")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if !onBranch {
+		st.Checkout = submodule.CheckoutDetached
+	}
+	out, err := run(ctx, in.dir, "status", "--porcelain=v2", "-z", "--untracked-files=normal", "--ignore-submodules=all")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	entries := parseStatus(out)
+	// a leftover of --ignore-submodules=all in older git versions would
+	// report the submodules the rows already show
+	entries = slices.DeleteFunc(entries, func(e entry) bool { return e.submodule })
+	st.Worktree = worktreeOf(entries)
+	if st.Changes, err = changes(ctx, in.dir, entries); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// the root is compared with its upstream, so that the header and the
+	// detail pane agree; only without one the closest branch is looked for
+	var chosen *candidate
+	if branch != "" {
+		if up, ok, err := try(ctx, in.dir, "rev-parse", "--abbrev-ref", "--symbolic-full-name", branch+"@{upstream}"); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		} else if ok {
+			chosen = &candidate{up, submodule.RefFromCurrentBranch}
+		}
+	}
+	if err := pinState(ctx, in, st, head, head, branch, chosen); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return st, nil
+}
+
+// pinState fills the fields of st that describe pin: whether it is pushed, the
+// ref it resolves to (chosen, if not nil), the commits and the distance to the
+// ref. head is the checked-out commit.
+func pinState(ctx context.Context, in info, st *submodule.Status, pin, head, branch string, chosen *candidate) error {
 	// the pin must exist locally to say anything about it
 	if _, ok, err := try(ctx, in.dir, "cat-file", "-e", pin+"^{commit}"); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return err
 	} else if !ok {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("pinned commit %.7s not fetched", pin)
+		return fmt.Errorf("pinned commit %.7s not fetched", pin)
 	}
 
 	// remote branches containing the pin, oldest tip first
-	out, err = run(ctx, in.dir, "for-each-ref", "--contains", pin, "--sort=committerdate", "--format=%(refname)", "refs/remotes")
+	out, err := run(ctx, in.dir, "for-each-ref", "--contains", pin, "--sort=committerdate", "--format=%(refname)", "refs/remotes")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return err
 	}
 	var containing []string
 	for _, r := range strings.Fields(out) {
@@ -228,44 +300,47 @@ func status(ctx context.Context, in info) (*submodule.Status, error) {
 	}
 	st.Pin.Pushed = len(containing) > 0
 
-	ref, source, err := resolve(ctx, in, pin, branch, containing)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+	var ref string
+	var source submodule.RefSource
+	if chosen != nil {
+		ref, source = chosen.ref, chosen.source
+	} else if ref, source, err = resolve(ctx, in, pin, branch, containing); err != nil {
+		return err
 	}
 	st.Pin.Ref, st.Pin.Source = ref, source
 
 	// commits
 	if st.Pinned, err = commit(ctx, in.dir, pin); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return err
 	}
 	st.CheckedOut = st.Pinned
 	if head != pin {
 		if st.CheckedOut, err = commit(ctx, in.dir, head); err != nil {
-			return nil, err
+			return err
 		}
 	}
 	if source == submodule.RefFromSHA {
 		st.Pin.Ref = st.Pinned.SHA
-		return st, nil
+		return nil
 	}
 	if st.Tip, err = commit(ctx, in.dir, ref); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return err
 	}
 	out, err = run(ctx, in.dir, "rev-list", "--left-right", "--count", pin+"..."+ref)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return err
 	}
 	if st.Pin.Ahead, st.Pin.Behind, err = parseLeftRight(out); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return err
 	}
 	if st.Pin.Ahead+st.Pin.Behind > 0 {
 		out, err = run(ctx, in.dir, "log", commitFormat, fmt.Sprintf("--max-count=%d", maxBetween), pin+"..."+ref)
 		if err != nil {
-			return nil, err
+			return err
 		}
 		st.Between = parseCommits(out)
 	}
-	return st, nil
+	return nil
 }
 
 // resolve finds the ref that describes the pin, following the order in
diff --git a/internal/submodule/git/root_test.go b/internal/submodule/git/root_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..26a0404
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/submodule/git/root_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,172 @@
+package git
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"slices"
+	"testing"
+
+	"submarine/internal/submodule"
+)
+
+// rootFixture is ownFixture with a bare origin for the superproject, main
+// pushed and tracking it. It returns the provider, the fixture root and the
+// path of the bare repository.
+func rootFixture(t *testing.T) (*Provider, string, string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	p, root := ownFixture(t)
+	bare := filepath.Join(root, "remotes", "super.git")
+	git(t, root, "init", "-q", "--bare", bare)
+	git(t, p.root, "remote", "add", "origin", bare)
+	git(t, p.root, "push", "-q", "-u", "origin", "main")
+	return p, root, bare
+}
+
+func rootStatus(t *testing.T, p *Provider) *submodule.Status {
+	t.Helper()
+	st, err := p.Status(context.Background(), "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !st.Root {
+		t.Error("Status.Root = false for the superproject")
+	}
+	return st
+}
+
+func issueKinds(st *submodule.Status) []submodule.IssueKind {
+	var kinds []submodule.IssueKind
+	for _, is := range st.Issues() {
+		kinds = append(kinds, is.Kind)
+	}
+	return kinds
+}
+
+func TestTreeRoot(t *testing.T) {
+	p, root, bare := rootFixture(t)
+	repo, err := p.Tree(context.Background())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if r := repo.Root; r == nil || !r.IsRoot() || r.Name != "super" || r.URL != bare || len(r.Children) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("Root = %+v (fixture %s)", r, root)
+	}
+}
+
+// The fixture has dirty, conflicting and staged submodules; none of them
+// makes the superproject itself changed, their rows show them.
+func TestRootStatusIgnoresSubmodules(t *testing.T) {
+	p, _, _ := rootFixture(t)
+	st := rootStatus(t, p)
+	if kinds := issueKinds(st); len(kinds) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("issues = %v, want none", kinds)
+	}
+	if st.Changes != nil || st.PinStaged || st.Presence != submodule.PresenceOK {
+		t.Errorf("Changes = %+v, PinStaged = %v", st.Changes, st.PinStaged)
+	}
+	if st.Pin.Ref != "origin/main" || st.Pin.Source != submodule.RefFromCurrentBranch || !st.Pin.Pushed {
+		t.Errorf("Pin = %+v", st.Pin)
+	}
+	if st.Pinned == nil || st.Pinned != st.CheckedOut && *st.Pinned != *st.CheckedOut {
+		t.Errorf("Pinned = %+v, CheckedOut = %+v, want HEAD for both", st.Pinned, st.CheckedOut)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRootStatusUnpushed(t *testing.T) {
+	p, _, _ := rootFixture(t)
+	git(t, p.root, "commit", "--allow-empty", "-m", "Local work")
+	st := rootStatus(t, p)
+	if kinds := issueKinds(st); !slices.Equal(kinds, []submodule.IssueKind{submodule.IssueUnpushed}) {
+		t.Errorf("issues = %v, want unpushed", kinds)
+	}
+	if st.Pin.Ahead != 1 || st.Pin.Behind != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("ahead/behind = %d/%d, want 1/0", st.Pin.Ahead, st.Pin.Behind)
+	}
+	if d := st.Issues()[0].Detail; d != "HEAD not pushed to any remote" {
+		t.Errorf("detail = %q", d)
+	}
+}
+
+// A submodule the current branch no longer has stays on disk after a branch
+// switch (its .git is a file into .git/modules). It is an untracked
+// repository of the superproject.
+func TestRootStatusLeftoverSubmodule(t *testing.T) {
+	p, _, _ := rootFixture(t)
+	git(t, p.root, "switch", "-q", "-c", "nosub")
+	git(t, p.root, "rm", "-q", "--cached", "src/ui")
+	git(t, p.root, "commit", "-q", "-m", "Drop src/ui")
+	git(t, p.root, "switch", "-q", "main")
+	git(t, p.root, "switch", "-q", "nosub")
+	if _, err := os.Stat(filepath.Join(p.root, "src", "ui", ".git")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("src/ui should be left behind: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	st := rootStatus(t, p)
+	if kinds := issueKinds(st); !slices.Equal(kinds, []submodule.IssueKind{submodule.IssueUnpushed, submodule.IssueChanged}) {
+		t.Fatalf("issues = %v, want unpushed (new branch) and changed", kinds)
+	}
+	if d := st.Issues()[1].Detail; d != "untracked repository" {
+		t.Errorf("detail = %q, want untracked repository", d)
+	}
+	if st.Changes == nil || len(st.Changes.Files) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("Changes = %+v", st.Changes)
+	}
+	if f := st.Changes.Files[0]; f.Path != "src/ui/" || f.Kind != submodule.ChangeUntracked || !f.Repo {
+		t.Errorf("file = %+v", f)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRootStatusModified(t *testing.T) {
+	p, _, _ := rootFixture(t)
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(p.root, "README"), []byte("edited\n"), 0o644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	st := rootStatus(t, p)
+	if kinds := issueKinds(st); !slices.Equal(kinds, []submodule.IssueKind{submodule.IssueChanged}) {
+		t.Errorf("issues = %v, want changed", kinds)
+	}
+	if st.Worktree != submodule.WorktreeModified {
+		t.Errorf("Worktree = %v", st.Worktree)
+	}
+}
+
+// The ref of the superproject is the upstream of its branch, even if another
+// remote branch is closer, so that it agrees with the header's ahead/behind.
+func TestRootStatusRefIsUpstream(t *testing.T) {
+	p, root, bare := rootFixture(t)
+	other := filepath.Join(root, "other")
+	git(t, root, "clone", "-q", bare, other)
+	git(t, other, "switch", "-q", "-c", "feat")
+	git(t, other, "commit", "--allow-empty", "-m", "Feature")
+	git(t, other, "push", "-q", "origin", "feat")
+	git(t, other, "switch", "-q", "main")
+	for range 3 {
+		git(t, other, "commit", "--allow-empty", "-m", "Upstream")
+	}
+	git(t, other, "push", "-q", "origin", "main")
+	git(t, p.root, "fetch", "-q")
+
+	st := rootStatus(t, p)
+	if st.Pin.Ref != "origin/main" || st.Pin.Source != submodule.RefFromCurrentBranch {
+		t.Errorf("ref = %q (%v), want origin/main via the current branch", st.Pin.Ref, st.Pin.Source)
+	}
+	if st.Pin.Ahead != 0 || st.Pin.Behind != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("ahead/behind = %d/%d, want 0/3", st.Pin.Ahead, st.Pin.Behind)
+	}
+	if len(st.Between) != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("Between = %d commits, want 3", len(st.Between))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRootStatusDetached(t *testing.T) {
+	p, _, _ := rootFixture(t)
+	git(t, p.root, "switch", "-q", "--detach")
+	st := rootStatus(t, p)
+	if st.Checkout != submodule.CheckoutDetached {
+		t.Errorf("Checkout = %v, want detached", st.Checkout)
+	}
+	if !st.Pin.Pushed {
+		t.Error("detached HEAD on a pushed commit should be pushed")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/submodule/mock/mock.go b/internal/submodule/mock/mock.go
index afd8178..9cbddce 100644
--- a/internal/submodule/mock/mock.go
+++ b/internal/submodule/mock/mock.go
@@ -42,8 +42,11 @@ func (p *Provider) Tree(ctx context.Context) (*submodule.Repo, error) {
 	repo := &submodule.Repo{
 		Path:      "~/coding/my_project",
 		Branch:    "main",
+		Behind:    2,
 		FetchedAt: time.Now().Add(-2 * time.Minute),
 	}
+	repo.Root = &submodule.Submodule{Name: "my_project", URL: "git@github.com:acme/my_project.git"}
+	p.statuses[""] = rootStatus()
 	repo.Submodules = p.build(fixture(), nil)
 	return repo, nil
 }
@@ -154,6 +157,31 @@ func changes(age time.Duration, files []submodule.FileChange) *submodule.Changes
 	return c
 }
 
+// rootStatus is a superproject that is behind its upstream and still has a
+// clone of a submodule the current branch no longer has.
+func rootStatus() *submodule.Status {
+	tip := commit("e4f5a6b", "Move docs into a submodule", "anna", 3*time.Hour)
+	head := commit("0a1b2c3", "Update README", "ben", 2*24*time.Hour)
+	st := &submodule.Status{
+		Root:       true,
+		Worktree:   submodule.WorktreeModified,
+		Pin:        submodule.PinInfo{Ref: "origin/main", Behind: 2, Pushed: true, Source: submodule.RefFromCurrentBranch},
+		Pinned:     head,
+		CheckedOut: head,
+		Tip:        tip,
+		Between: []submodule.Commit{
+			*tip,
+			*commit("9d8c7b6", "Drop the legacy module", "chris", 20*time.Hour),
+		},
+		FetchedAt: now.Add(-2 * time.Minute),
+	}
+	st.Changes = changes(15*time.Minute, []submodule.FileChange{
+		{Path: "README.md", Kind: submodule.ChangeModified, Added: 4, Removed: 1},
+		{Path: "old_module/", Kind: submodule.ChangeUntracked, Repo: true},
+	})
+	return st
+}
+
 func fixture() []node {
 	c1 := commit("3f9a1c2", "Bump golangci-lint to v2", "anna", 26*time.Hour)
 	c2 := commit("a1b2c3d", "Initial import", "ben", 40*24*time.Hour)
diff --git a/internal/submodule/model.go b/internal/submodule/model.go
index ed3b455..db6150c 100644
--- a/internal/submodule/model.go
+++ b/internal/submodule/model.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ type Repo struct {
 	Ahead      int
 	Behind     int
 	FetchedAt  time.Time
+	Root       *Submodule // the superproject as a selectable node; Path is "", no Children
 	Submodules []*Submodule
 }
 
@@ -32,6 +33,9 @@ type Submodule struct {
 	FetchErr error   // set if the last fetch failed; not an issue
 }
 
+// IsRoot reports whether s is the superproject itself.
+func (s *Submodule) IsRoot() bool { return s != nil && s.Path == "" }
+
 // Presence describes whether the submodule exists on disk.
 type Presence int
 
@@ -171,6 +175,7 @@ func (c *Changes) Sort() {
 
 // Status is the full state of one submodule.
 type Status struct {
+	Root       bool // the superproject: the "pin" is its HEAD
 	Presence   Presence
 	Checkout   Checkout
 	Worktree   Worktree
diff --git a/internal/submodule/status.go b/internal/submodule/status.go
index c10bafd..4055f69 100644
--- a/internal/submodule/status.go
+++ b/internal/submodule/status.go
@@ -43,7 +43,11 @@ func (s *Status) Issues() []Issue {
 
 	var out []Issue
 	if !s.Pin.Pushed {
-		out = append(out, Issue{IssueUnpushed, LevelDanger, "pin not pushed to any remote"})
+		detail := "pin not pushed to any remote"
+		if s.Root {
+			detail = "HEAD not pushed to any remote"
+		}
+		out = append(out, Issue{IssueUnpushed, LevelDanger, detail})
 	}
 	if s.Worktree == WorktreeConflict {
 		out = append(out, Issue{IssueConflict, LevelDanger, "merge conflict"})
@@ -70,9 +74,13 @@ func (h Hidden) Total() int { return h.Warn + h.Danger }
 // HiddenIssues counts the issues and staged pins of all loaded descendants. A
 // descendant whose load failed counts as one danger, since its state is
 // unknown.
-func (m *Submodule) HiddenIssues() Hidden {
+func (m *Submodule) HiddenIssues() Hidden { return HiddenIn(m.Children) }
+
+// HiddenIn counts the issues and staged pins of mods and all their loaded
+// descendants, like HiddenIssues.
+func HiddenIn(mods []*Submodule) Hidden {
 	var h Hidden
-	Walk(m.Children, func(c *Submodule) {
+	Walk(mods, func(c *Submodule) {
 		if c.Status == nil && c.Err != nil {
 			h.Danger++
 		}
diff --git a/internal/submodule/status_test.go b/internal/submodule/status_test.go
index 6a4ad3b..09d3fdb 100644
--- a/internal/submodule/status_test.go
+++ b/internal/submodule/status_test.go
@@ -78,3 +78,14 @@ func TestHiddenIssuesCountLoadErrors(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("got %+v; want 1 danger", got)
 	}
 }
+
+func TestRootIssueWording(t *testing.T) {
+	st := &Status{Root: true}
+	got := st.Issues()
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Kind != IssueUnpushed || got[0].Level != LevelDanger || got[0].Detail != "HEAD not pushed to any remote" {
+		t.Errorf("Issues() = %+v", got)
+	}
+	if !(&Submodule{}).IsRoot() || (&Submodule{Path: "a"}).IsRoot() {
+		t.Error("IsRoot should be true exactly for the empty path")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/tui/app.go b/internal/tui/app.go
index bcdcd72..d2603ef 100644
--- a/internal/tui/app.go
+++ b/internal/tui/app.go
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ func (m Model) busy() bool {
 	if m.repo == nil || m.fetch.Running {
 		return true
 	}
-	loading := false
+	loading := m.repo.Root != nil && m.repo.Root.Status == nil && m.repo.Root.Err == nil
 	submodule.Walk(m.repo.Submodules, func(s *submodule.Submodule) {
 		loading = loading || (s.Status == nil && s.Err == nil)
 	})
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ func (m Model) treeLoaded(msg treeLoadedMsg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 	m.byPath = map[string]*submodule.Submodule{}
 	reload := initial || m.reloadStatuses
 	m.reloadStatuses = false
-	submodule.Walk(m.repo.Submodules, func(s *submodule.Submodule) {
+	track := func(s *submodule.Submodule) {
 		m.byPath[s.Path] = s
 		if o, ok := old[s.Path]; ok {
 			s.Status, s.Err, s.FetchErr = o.Status, o.Err, o.FetchErr
@@ -275,7 +275,12 @@ func (m Model) treeLoaded(msg treeLoadedMsg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		if reload || s.Status == nil {
 			cmds = append(cmds, m.reloadStatus(s.Path))
 		}
-	})
+	}
+	if m.repo.Root != nil {
+		track(m.repo.Root)
+	}
+	submodule.Walk(m.repo.Submodules, track)
+	m.tree.SetRoot(m.repo.Root)
 
 	if initial {
 		m.tree.SetRoots(m.repo.Submodules)
@@ -305,6 +310,10 @@ func (m Model) changed(msg changeMsg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		// superproject: pins of all submodules may have moved (local), or
 		// only its header (remote); .gitmodules: the structure changed
 		cmds = append(cmds, m.reloadTree(c.Local))
+		if c.Path == "" {
+			// the root's own state: files, HEAD, and (for a fetch) its upstream
+			cmds = append(cmds, m.reloadStatus(""))
+		}
 	default:
 		s, ok := m.byPath[c.Path]
 		if !ok {
@@ -444,6 +453,9 @@ func (m Model) copyPath() (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		return m, nil
 	}
 	path := s.Path
+	if s.IsRoot() && m.repo != nil {
+		path = m.repo.Path
+	}
 	if l, ok := m.provider.(submodule.Locator); ok {
 		if dir := l.Dir(s.Path); dir != "" {
 			path = dir
@@ -488,11 +500,12 @@ func (m Model) View() string {
 			Border(lipgloss.NormalBorder(), false, false, false, true).
 			BorderForeground(m.theme.Border).
 			PaddingLeft(1).
-			Render(m.detail.View(m.tree.Selected()))
+			Render(m.detail.View(m.tree.Selected(), m.repo))
 		body = lipgloss.JoinHorizontal(lipgloss.Top, body, pane)
 	}
 
-	parts := []string{header.View(m.theme, m.repo, m.fetch, m.spinner.View(), m.width), body}
+	head := header.View(m.theme, m.repo, m.fetch, m.spinner.View(), m.width, m.tree.RootSelected())
+	parts := []string{zone.Mark(m.tree.RootZone(), head), body}
 	if m.filtering {
 		parts = append(parts, m.filterView())
 	}
diff --git a/internal/tui/detail/detail.go b/internal/tui/detail/detail.go
index f3b3aab..61bd01a 100644
--- a/internal/tui/detail/detail.go
+++ b/internal/tui/detail/detail.go
@@ -40,13 +40,15 @@ func (m Model) PaletteVisible() bool { return m.height >= paletteMinHeight }
 func (m *Model) SetSize(w, h int)        { m.width, m.height = w, h }
 func (m *Model) SetSpinner(frame string) { m.spinner = frame }
 
-func (m Model) View(s *submodule.Submodule) string {
+// View renders s; repo is the loaded superproject (nil while loading), which
+// the superproject's own view needs for its path and submodule summary.
+func (m Model) View(s *submodule.Submodule, repo *submodule.Repo) string {
 	if m.width <= 0 || m.height <= 0 {
 		return ""
 	}
 	var lines []string
 	if s != nil {
-		lines = m.lines(s)
+		lines = m.lines(s, repo)
 	}
 	for i, l := range lines {
 		lines[i] = ansi.Truncate(l, m.width, "…")
@@ -68,12 +70,17 @@ func (m Model) View(s *submodule.Submodule) string {
 	return body + "\n" + palette
 }
 
-func (m Model) lines(s *submodule.Submodule) []string {
+func (m Model) lines(s *submodule.Submodule, repo *submodule.Repo) []string {
 	t := m.theme
 	muted, text := theme.Fg(t.Muted), theme.Fg(t.Text)
 	label := func(l string) string { return muted.Width(labelWidth).Render(l) }
 
-	dir := path.Dir(s.Path)
+	root := s.IsRoot() && repo != nil
+	full := s.Path
+	if root {
+		full = repo.Path
+	}
+	dir := path.Dir(full)
 	if dir == "." {
 		dir = ""
 	} else {
@@ -104,7 +111,11 @@ func (m Model) lines(s *submodule.Submodule) []string {
 		out = append(out, theme.Fg(t.Info).Width(labelWidth).Render(theme.Staged)+text.Render("pin change staged, not committed"))
 	}
 	if st.Checkout == submodule.CheckoutDetached {
-		out = append(out, label("")+muted.Render("detached HEAD on pin"))
+		text := "detached HEAD on pin"
+		if st.Root {
+			text = "detached HEAD"
+		}
+		out = append(out, label("")+muted.Render(text))
 	}
 	if st.Changes != nil {
 		out = append(out, "")
@@ -141,15 +152,19 @@ func (m Model) lines(s *submodule.Submodule) []string {
 		}
 		return label(name) + shaStyle.Render(c.SHA) + " " + text.Render(c.Subject)
 	}
-	out = append(out,
-		commitLine("Pinned", st.Pinned, false),
-		commitLine("Checkout", st.CheckedOut, st.Checkout == submodule.CheckoutDiffers),
-		commitLine("Tip", st.Tip, false),
-	)
+	if st.Root {
+		out = append(out, commitLine("HEAD", st.Pinned, false), commitLine("Tip", st.Tip, false))
+	} else {
+		out = append(out,
+			commitLine("Pinned", st.Pinned, false),
+			commitLine("Checkout", st.CheckedOut, st.Checkout == submodule.CheckoutDiffers),
+			commitLine("Tip", st.Tip, false),
+		)
+	}
 
 	// difference between pin and tip
 	if len(st.Between) > 0 {
-		out = append(out, "", text.Render(m.betweenTitle(st.Pin)))
+		out = append(out, "", text.Render(m.betweenTitle(st.Pin, st.Root)))
 		for _, c := range st.Between {
 			out = append(out,
 				"  "+theme.Fg(t.Primary).Render(c.SHA)+" "+text.Render(c.Subject),
@@ -160,29 +175,50 @@ func (m Model) lines(s *submodule.Submodule) []string {
 
 	// children & meta
 	out = append(out, "")
-	if n := len(s.Children); n > 0 {
+	if root {
+		n := 0
+		submodule.Walk(repo.Submodules, func(*submodule.Submodule) { n++ })
+		summary := fmt.Sprintf("%d", n)
+		if parts := m.hiddenParts(submodule.HiddenIn(repo.Submodules)); parts != "" {
+			summary += muted.Render(" · ") + parts
+		}
+		out = append(out, label("Modules")+summary)
+	} else if n := len(s.Children); n > 0 {
 		children := fmt.Sprintf("%d direct", n)
-		h := s.HiddenIssues()
-		var parts []string
-		if h.Danger > 0 {
-			parts = append(parts, t.LevelStyle(submodule.LevelDanger, lipgloss.NewStyle()).Render(fmt.Sprintf("%d error(s)", h.Danger)))
-		}
-		if h.Warn > 0 {
-			parts = append(parts, t.LevelStyle(submodule.LevelWarn, lipgloss.NewStyle()).Render(fmt.Sprintf("%d warning(s)", h.Warn)))
-		}
-		if h.Staged > 0 {
-			parts = append(parts, theme.Fg(t.Info).Render(fmt.Sprintf("%d %s", h.Staged, theme.Staged)))
-		}
-		if len(parts) > 0 {
-			children += muted.Render(" · ") + strings.Join(parts, muted.Render(", ")) + muted.Render(" below")
+		if parts := m.hiddenParts(s.HiddenIssues()); parts != "" {
+			children += muted.Render(" · ") + parts + muted.Render(" below")
 		}
 		out = append(out, label("Children")+children)
 	}
-	out = append(out, label("URL")+muted.Render(s.URL))
+	if s.URL != "" {
+		out = append(out, label("URL")+muted.Render(s.URL))
+	}
 	return out
 }
 
-func (m Model) betweenTitle(p submodule.PinInfo) string {
+// hiddenParts words issue counts like "1 error(s), 2 warning(s)"; empty if
+// there are none.
+func (m Model) hiddenParts(h submodule.Hidden) string {
+	t := m.theme
+	var parts []string
+	if h.Danger > 0 {
+		parts = append(parts, t.LevelStyle(submodule.LevelDanger, lipgloss.NewStyle()).Render(fmt.Sprintf("%d error(s)", h.Danger)))
+	}
+	if h.Warn > 0 {
+		parts = append(parts, t.LevelStyle(submodule.LevelWarn, lipgloss.NewStyle()).Render(fmt.Sprintf("%d warning(s)", h.Warn)))
+	}
+	if h.Staged > 0 {
+		parts = append(parts, theme.Fg(t.Info).Render(fmt.Sprintf("%d %s", h.Staged, theme.Staged)))
+	}
+	return strings.Join(parts, theme.Fg(t.Muted).Render(", "))
+}
+
+// betweenTitle words the commit list; root says HEAD instead of Pin.
+func (m Model) betweenTitle(p submodule.PinInfo, root bool) string {
+	subject := "Pin"
+	if root {
+		subject = "HEAD"
+	}
 	plural := func(n int) string {
 		if n == 1 {
 			return "commit"
@@ -191,11 +227,11 @@ func (m Model) betweenTitle(p submodule.PinInfo) string {
 	}
 	switch {
 	case p.Ahead > 0 && p.Behind > 0:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("Pin and %s have diverged (%s%d %s%d):",
-			p.Ref, m.theme.Glyphs.Ahead, p.Ahead, m.theme.Glyphs.Behind, p.Behind)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s and %s have diverged (%s%d %s%d):",
+			subject, p.Ref, m.theme.Glyphs.Ahead, p.Ahead, m.theme.Glyphs.Behind, p.Behind)
 	case p.Ahead > 0:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("Pin is %d %s ahead of %s:", p.Ahead, plural(p.Ahead), p.Ref)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s is %d %s ahead of %s:", subject, p.Ahead, plural(p.Ahead), p.Ref)
 	default:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("Pin is %d %s behind %s:", p.Behind, plural(p.Behind), p.Ref)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s is %d %s behind %s:", subject, p.Behind, plural(p.Behind), p.Ref)
 	}
 }
diff --git a/internal/tui/header/header.go b/internal/tui/header/header.go
index ade855d..d4dd3f3 100644
--- a/internal/tui/header/header.go
+++ b/internal/tui/header/header.go
@@ -21,9 +21,13 @@ type Fetch struct {
 }
 
 // View renders repo info, state counts and fetch state on one line. spinner
-// is the current spinner frame.
-func View(t theme.Theme, repo *submodule.Repo, fetch Fetch, spinner string, width int) string {
+// is the current spinner frame. The header stands for the superproject: with
+// selected it is drawn like a selected tree row.
+func View(t theme.Theme, repo *submodule.Repo, fetch Fetch, spinner string, width int, selected bool) string {
 	bar := lipgloss.NewStyle().Background(t.Bar)
+	if selected {
+		bar = lipgloss.NewStyle().Background(t.Selected).Bold(true)
+	}
 	seg := func(c lipgloss.TerminalColor, s string) string { return bar.Foreground(c).Render(s) }
 
 	if repo == nil {
@@ -34,6 +38,9 @@ func View(t theme.Theme, repo *submodule.Repo, fetch Fetch, spinner string, widt
 	if d := t.Delta(submodule.PinInfo{Ahead: repo.Ahead, Behind: repo.Behind, Pushed: true}, bar); d != "" {
 		left += seg(t.Text, " ") + d
 	}
+	if repo.Root != nil {
+		left += seg(t.Text, "  ") + t.StatusWord(repo.Root, bar, spinner)
+	}
 
 	// count submodules per issue kind (most severe first), plus staged pins
 	var total, loading, errored, staged int
diff --git a/internal/tui/theme/issues.go b/internal/tui/theme/issues.go
index e057ddd..778752b 100644
--- a/internal/tui/theme/issues.go
+++ b/internal/tui/theme/issues.go
@@ -32,6 +32,31 @@ func IssueWord(k submodule.IssueKind) string {
 	}
 }
 
+// StatusWord renders the state of s as one word: a spinner while loading,
+// `error`, the most severe issue with "+n" for further ones, `staged`, or a
+// muted "in sync". base is applied to every segment, e.g. to keep a row
+// background.
+func (t Theme) StatusWord(s *submodule.Submodule, base lipgloss.Style, spinner string) string {
+	seg := func(c lipgloss.TerminalColor, text string) string { return base.Foreground(c).Render(text) }
+	switch {
+	case s.Err != nil:
+		return t.LevelStyle(submodule.LevelDanger, base).Render("error")
+	case s.Status == nil:
+		return seg(t.Primary, spinner)
+	}
+	if issues := s.Status.Issues(); len(issues) > 0 {
+		out := t.LevelStyle(issues[0].Level, base).Render(IssueWord(issues[0].Kind))
+		if len(issues) > 1 {
+			out += seg(t.Muted, fmt.Sprintf(" +%d", len(issues)-1))
+		}
+		return out
+	}
+	if s.Status.PinStaged {
+		return seg(t.Info, Staged)
+	}
+	return seg(t.Muted, InSync)
+}
+
 // ChangeLetter is the one-letter label of a changed file.
 func ChangeLetter(k submodule.ChangeKind) string {
 	switch k {
diff --git a/internal/tui/tree/filter.go b/internal/tui/tree/filter.go
index 9145939..929109f 100644
--- a/internal/tui/tree/filter.go
+++ b/internal/tui/tree/filter.go
@@ -48,6 +48,10 @@ func parentOf(s *submodule.Submodule) *submodule.Submodule {
 // visible any more, the closest visible one after it in display order
 // becomes the selection, else the closest one before it.
 func (m *Model) reselect(old *submodule.Submodule) {
+	if old != nil && old == m.root { // the superproject is never filtered out
+		m.cursor = old
+		return
+	}
 	visible := map[*submodule.Submodule]bool{}
 	var first *submodule.Submodule
 	for _, r := range m.rows() {
@@ -63,6 +67,9 @@ func (m *Model) reselect(old *submodule.Submodule) {
 		return
 	}
 	m.cursor = first
+	if first == nil {
+		m.cursor = m.root // nothing matches: the superproject remains
+	}
 	if old == nil || first == nil {
 		return
 	}
diff --git a/internal/tui/tree/tree.go b/internal/tui/tree/tree.go
index 6038c98..f5d2270 100644
--- a/internal/tui/tree/tree.go
+++ b/internal/tui/tree/tree.go
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ const (
 type Model struct {
 	id       string // zone prefix, unique to this instance
 	theme    theme.Theme
+	root     *submodule.Submodule // the superproject: selectable, above the first row; may be nil
 	roots    []*submodule.Submodule
 	expanded map[string]bool // keyed by Submodule.Path; kept when ancestors collapse
 	filter   string          // lower-case; empty if not filtering
@@ -37,12 +38,21 @@ func New(t theme.Theme) Model {
 	return Model{id: zone.NewPrefix(), theme: t, expanded: map[string]bool{}}
 }
 
-// SetRoots replaces the tree. All nodes start collapsed.
+// SetRoot sets the superproject, which can be selected like a row above the
+// first one. Call it before SetRoots / ReplaceRoots.
+func (m *Model) SetRoot(root *submodule.Submodule) { m.root = root }
+
+// SetRoots replaces the tree. All nodes start collapsed. The superproject is
+// selected if there is one, else the first submodule.
 func (m *Model) SetRoots(roots []*submodule.Submodule) {
 	m.roots = roots
 	m.expanded = map[string]bool{}
 	m.cursor = nil
 	m.offset = 0
+	if m.root != nil {
+		m.cursor = m.root
+		return
+	}
 	m.cursor = m.firstNode()
 }
 
@@ -54,10 +64,14 @@ func (m *Model) ReplaceRoots(roots []*submodule.Submodule) {
 	if m.cursor != nil {
 		path = m.cursor.Path
 	}
+	wasRoot := m.cursor.IsRoot() // by path: SetRoot may have installed a new node
 	m.roots = roots
 	m.cursor = nil
+	if wasRoot && m.root != nil {
+		m.cursor = m.root
+	}
 	for _, r := range m.rows() {
-		if r.kind == rowNode && r.node.Path == path {
+		if m.cursor == nil && r.kind == rowNode && r.node.Path == path {
 			m.cursor = r.node
 			break
 		}
@@ -76,9 +90,19 @@ func (m *Model) SetSize(w, h int) {
 // SetSpinner sets the frame drawn for submodules that are still loading.
 func (m *Model) SetSpinner(frame string) { m.spinner = frame }
 
-// Selected returns the submodule under the cursor, or nil.
+// Selected returns the submodule under the cursor, or nil. It is the
+// superproject (empty Path) while that is selected.
 func (m Model) Selected() *submodule.Submodule { return m.cursor }
 
+// RootSelected reports whether the superproject is selected.
+func (m Model) RootSelected() bool { return m.onRoot() }
+
+func (m Model) onRoot() bool { return m.root != nil && m.cursor == m.root }
+
+// RootZone is the zone mark of the superproject's display; a click on it
+// selects the superproject. The caller wraps the header in it.
+func (m Model) RootZone() string { return m.id + "root" }
+
 // --- navigation --------------------------------------------------------------
 
 // Up selects the previous submodule row.
@@ -104,6 +128,10 @@ func (m *Model) Toggle() {
 
 // Right expands the selected submodule and selects its first child.
 func (m *Model) Right() {
+	if m.onRoot() {
+		m.Down()
+		return
+	}
 	if m.cursor == nil || len(m.cursor.Children) == 0 {
 		return
 	}
@@ -120,6 +148,9 @@ func (m *Model) Left() {
 		m.setExpanded(m.cursor, false)
 	case m.cursor.Parent != nil:
 		m.setExpanded(m.cursor.Parent, false)
+	case m.root != nil && !m.onRoot():
+		m.cursor = m.root // the superproject is the parent of the top level
+		m.offset = 0
 	}
 }
 
@@ -179,24 +210,37 @@ func isAncestor(a, s *submodule.Submodule) bool {
 }
 
 // moveBy moves the cursor by n submodule rows, skipping directory headers
-// and stopping at the ends.
+// and stopping at the ends. The superproject counts as a row before the
+// first one.
 func (m *Model) moveBy(n int) {
 	rows := m.rows()
 	i := m.cursorRow(rows)
-	if i < 0 {
+	if m.onRoot() {
+		i = -1
+	} else if i < 0 {
 		return
 	}
 	step := 1
 	if n < 0 {
 		step, n = -1, -n
 	}
-	for j := i + step; n > 0 && j >= 0 && j < len(rows); j += step {
-		if rows[j].kind == rowNode {
+	for j := i + step; n > 0 && j >= -1 && j < len(rows); j += step {
+		switch {
+		case j == -1:
+			if m.root != nil {
+				i = -1
+				n--
+			}
+		case rows[j].kind == rowNode:
 			i = j
 			n--
 		}
 	}
-	m.cursor = rows[i].node
+	if i < 0 {
+		m.cursor = m.root
+	} else {
+		m.cursor = rows[i].node
+	}
 	m.clampOffset()
 }
 
@@ -233,6 +277,10 @@ func (m *Model) clampOffset() {
 	if m.height <= 0 {
 		return
 	}
+	if m.onRoot() {
+		m.offset = 0
+		return
+	}
 	rows := m.rows()
 	i := m.cursorRow(rows)
 	if i < 0 {
@@ -269,6 +317,11 @@ func (m *Model) Update(msg tea.Msg) {
 	if mm.Action != tea.MouseActionPress || mm.Button != tea.MouseButtonLeft {
 		return
 	}
+	if m.root != nil && zone.Get(m.RootZone()).InBounds(mm) {
+		m.cursor = m.root
+		m.offset = 0
+		return
+	}
 	for _, r := range m.visibleRows() {
 		if r.kind != rowNode {
 			continue
@@ -416,22 +469,7 @@ func (m Model) nodeLine(r row, nameColW, refW int) string {
 	staged := s.Status != nil && s.Status.PinStaged
 	h := s.HiddenIssues()
 	stagedMark := staged && len(issues) > 0
-	var status string
-	switch {
-	case s.Err != nil:
-		status = t.LevelStyle(submodule.LevelDanger, base).Render("error")
-	case s.Status == nil:
-		status = seg(t.Primary, m.spinner)
-	case len(issues) > 0:
-		status = t.LevelStyle(issues[0].Level, base).Render(theme.IssueWord(issues[0].Kind))
-		if len(issues) > 1 {
-			status += seg(t.Muted, fmt.Sprintf(" +%d", len(issues)-1))
-		}
-	case staged:
-		status = seg(t.Info, theme.Staged)
-	default:
-		status = seg(t.Muted, theme.InSync)
-	}
+	status := t.StatusWord(s, base, m.spinner)
 	if stagedMark || collapsed && h.Staged > 0 {
 		status += pad(1) + seg(t.Info, t.Glyphs.Staged)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/tui/tree/tree_test.go b/internal/tui/tree/tree_test.go
index 6bb5bfa..ac59dde 100644
--- a/internal/tui/tree/tree_test.go
+++ b/internal/tui/tree/tree_test.go
@@ -305,3 +305,109 @@ func equal(a, b []string) bool {
 	}
 	return true
 }
+
+// newTreeWithRoot is newTree with a selectable superproject.
+func newTreeWithRoot(t *testing.T) *Model {
+	t.Helper()
+	m := New(theme.Default())
+	m.SetRoot(&submodule.Submodule{Name: "root"})
+	m.SetRoots(fixture())
+	m.SetSize(80, 20)
+	return &m
+}
+
+func TestRootIsSelectedInitially(t *testing.T) {
+	m := newTreeWithRoot(t)
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Fatal("root not selected initially")
+	}
+	assertCursor(t, m, "")
+}
+
+func TestRootIsAboveFirstRow(t *testing.T) {
+	m := newTreeWithRoot(t)
+	m.Down()
+	assertCursor(t, m, "a")
+	if m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("root still selected after Down")
+	}
+	m.Up()
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("Up from the first submodule should select the root")
+	}
+	m.Up() // stays
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("Up on the root should stay on the root")
+	}
+
+	m.End()
+	assertCursor(t, m, "f")
+	m.Home()
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("Home should select the root")
+	}
+	m.PageDown()
+	assertCursor(t, m, "f")
+	m.PageUp()
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("PageUp should reach the root")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRootNavigationKeys(t *testing.T) {
+	m := newTreeWithRoot(t)
+	m.Right() // like Down
+	assertCursor(t, m, "a")
+	m.Left() // top level, nothing to collapse: the parent is the root
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("Left on a top-level submodule should select the root")
+	}
+	m.Left()
+	m.Toggle()
+	m.CollapseAll()
+	m.ExpandAll()
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("fold keys must not move the root selection")
+	}
+
+	m.Down()
+	m.Down() // b
+	m.Right()
+	m.Right() // d
+	m.CollapseAll()
+	assertCursor(t, m, "b")
+}
+
+func TestReplaceRootsKeepsRootSelected(t *testing.T) {
+	m := newTreeWithRoot(t)
+	newRoot := &submodule.Submodule{Name: "root"}
+	m.SetRoot(newRoot)
+	m.ReplaceRoots(fixture())
+	if !m.RootSelected() || m.Selected() != newRoot {
+		t.Error("root selection should move to the reloaded root")
+	}
+
+	m.Down()
+	m.SetRoot(&submodule.Submodule{Name: "root"})
+	m.ReplaceRoots(fixture())
+	assertCursor(t, m, "a")
+}
+
+func TestFilterKeepsRoot(t *testing.T) {
+	m := newTreeWithRoot(t)
+	m.SetFilter("f")
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("the root stays selected while filtering")
+	}
+	m.Down()
+	assertCursor(t, m, "f")
+
+	m.SetFilter("zzz") // nothing matches: the root remains, not nil
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("no match should fall back to the root")
+	}
+	m.SetFilter("")
+	if !m.RootSelected() {
+		t.Error("closing the filter should keep the root")
+	}
+}