Bebb Willow

*ORDERING QUANTITIES - our seedlings are sold in bulk*
10 - 27 cubic inch (ci) seedlings are sold in bundles of 24 (1 unit = 24 seedlings)
100 & 175 cubic inch (ci) seedlings are sold in bundles of 9 (1 unit = 9 seedlings)

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Salix bebbiana

Native Species

Natural Habitat: Moist riparian zones, streams, wetlands, floodplains, wet meadows, swamp edges, muskegs, moist upland forests

Foliage / Flowers: Multi‑stemmed shrub or small tree up to ~12 ft; leaves lanceolate 1–4 in long, green, sometimes hairy; catkins appear mid‑spring, male ~1–1.5 in, female ~2–3 in, followed by seed capsules with silky hairs

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; ~12 in (30 cm) per year; prolific spring and early summer growth

20‑year Height: Approximately 10–20 ft; mature multi‑stem thickets or small trees up to ~25 ft

Elevation Range: Sea level to ~10,000 ft

Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–6; tolerates ~−40 °F

Fire Tolerance: High, resprouts vigorously from root crown and stems after fire; regenerates quickly via suckers, seeds 

Wind Tolerance: High, flexible stems withstand wind and snow; resprouts readily after damage

Soil Preference: Prefers moist or saturated soils; thrives in sandy, loamy, silty, clay or organic substrates; adapted to groundwater and flooding

Alkali / Saline Soil Tolerance: Mild tolerance to alkaline soils (pH ~6.5–8.0); poor tolerance to high salinity

Life Span: Moderate, typically 20–50 years or more

Minimum Annual Precip: Typically 20–60 in, preferring wet and saturated soils

Drought Tolerance: Low — requires reliable moisture or groundwater saturation

Windbreak Spacing: For riparian or erosion control plant 5–8 ft apart to form dense thickets

Potential Pests / Disease: Susceptible to leaf beetles, aphids, sawflies, rust fungi, leaf cankers

Deer Resistance: Low — heavily browsed by deer, elk, moose, rabbits, beavers, and other mammals

Wildlife Value:
• Critical early-season pollen and nectar source for native pollinators
• Excellent browse for big game and beaver
• Provides nesting and cover for birds
• Creates shade and food source for fish