Bebbs Willow vs Black Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Bebbs Willow vs Black Hawthorn

Crataegus douglasii

Salix bebbiana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Black Hawthorn
Bebbs Willow

Black Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

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.

Black Hawthorn Quick Facts

Bebbs Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow to red
Bark: brown to gray
Flowers: white
Berries: purplish-black pomes
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, ON
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple
Other Names: beak willow, diamond willow, livid willow, long-beaked willow, smooth bebb willow, smooth gray willow