Mountain Maple vs Bebbs Willow - TreeTime.ca

Mountain Maple vs Bebbs Willow

Acer spicatum

Salix bebbiana

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

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Bebbs Willow

Used to growing in the shadows of the damp forest, White Maple (aka Mountain Maple) is a great fit for shady and wet areas, such as beneath larger trees. Unlike most of its cousins, the White Maple is a shrub instead of a tree. It's still a maple, however, with sap that can be made into Maple syrup to prove it!

In May and June, the classic shapes of Maple leaves are joined by clusters of green and yellow flowers. Soon after, red samaras (aka helicopter seeds or whirligigs) appear. This distinctive appearance makes White Maple an excellent choice for giving urban yards a unique (and patriotic) look.

This large shrub is native to all of Canada and most of the United States. Its leaves are green on the top and grey on the bottom, and it produces catkin based flowers and non-edible fruit which appears very similar to a group of pine needles.

Bebb's Willow is foraged for by many species including elk, hares, beavers and various birds. It is commonly used to prevent erosion and protect aquatic environments due to its preference for shady, moist environments.

Mountain Maple Quick Facts

Bebbs Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: purple to bright red to yellow
Bark: thin reddish or greyish
Flowers: yellow and green
Seeds: winged samaras
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: white maple
Other Names: beak willow, diamond willow, livid willow, long-beaked willow, smooth bebb willow, smooth gray willow