Bebbs Willow vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Bebbs Willow vs Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Salix bebbiana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Bayberry
Bebbs Willow

Northern Bayberry makes an excellent hedge or feature shrub. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They produce blue-grey berries that have a wax coating on them that can be used to make candles or soaps.

In colder hardiness zones the leaves turn an attractive orange to red colour in the fall, making it a striking addition to your landscape.

Northern Bayberry is native to Nova Scotia and tolerates both drought and wet conditions. It is also a nitrogen fixer that tolerates poor soil conditions.

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.

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Bebbs Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

Toxicity: Warning: The wax from bayberry fruit is considered toxic and may be carcinogenic.

Berries: blue-gray
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Other Names: candlewood, myrique de pennsylvanie, small waxberry, swamp candleberry, tallow bayberry, tallow shrub, tallow tree, tallowshrub
Other Names: beak willow, diamond willow, livid willow, long-beaked willow, smooth bebb willow, smooth gray willow