Bebb Willow
Salix bebbiana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Bebb Willow (Salix bebbiana) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees and beetles.
Toxicity unknown
Bebb Willow (Salix bebbiana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bebb Willow as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
120"–360" H × 60"–180" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Bebb willow is a large native shrub that forms dense thickets along streams and wetlands. It produces fuzzy catkins in spring before the leaves emerge and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions.
Growing Bebb Willow
Grow Bebb Willow in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 120 to 360 inches tall and spread 60 to 180 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bebb Willow takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Grows extremely large and spreads aggressively
- Requires wet conditions that may create drainage issues
- Natural growth habit appears uncontrolled and wild
Wildlife value
The early spring catkins provide crucial nectar for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Birds use the dense branching for nesting sites.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bebb Willow need?
- Bebb Willow grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bebb Willow bloom?
- Bebb Willow blooms in April and May.
- Where is Bebb Willow native?
- Bebb Willow (Salix bebbiana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Bebb Willow toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bebb Willow as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Bebb Willow attract?
- Bebb Willow draws bees and beetles.
- Is Bebb Willow HOA-friendly?
- Bebb Willow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bebb Willow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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