Bebbs Willow vs Diablo Ninebark - TreeTime.ca

Bebbs Willow vs Diablo Ninebark

Salix bebbiana

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Bebbs Willow
Diablo Ninebark

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.

Diablo Ninebark is a small, low maintenance, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or color to any yard. This plant grows dark purple leaves in the spring and grows slightly faster than Common Ninebark. It features flaky red to brown bark, clusters of white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves. Diablo Ninebark can make a dense and colorful hedge, or it can be an attractive ornamental by itself.

Bebbs Willow Quick Facts

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.69 - SAVE UP TO 43%
Lowest Price: $4.99 - SAVE UP TO 44%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Flowers: white
Berries: red
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: beak willow, diamond willow, livid willow, long-beaked willow, smooth bebb willow, smooth gray willow
Other Names: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark