White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Bebbs Willow - TreeTime.ca

White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Bebbs Willow

Salix bebbiana

Betula papyrifera

Bebbs Willow
White Birch (Paper Birch)

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.

White Birch is a large, attractive deciduous tree. This fast-growing, cold hardy species has distinctive white papery bark that peels in layers, making it a beautiful ornamental or accent tree. White Birch also makes great firewood.

Bebbs Willow Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.69 - SAVE UP TO 43%
Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 75%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Bark: white, papery, peeling
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: beak willow, diamond willow, livid willow, long-beaked willow, smooth bebb willow, smooth gray willow
Other Names: american white birch, canoe birch, paper birch