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Description
Salix Bebbiana, also known as Bebb’s Willow or long-beaked willow, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Salicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along riverbanks. The shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with a single or multiple stems that often form dense thickets. Its leaves are long, narrow, and pointed, with serrated edges, and it produces catkins in the spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
The Salix Bebbiana shrub has a striking appearance, with its long, narrow leaves that are bright green on top and pale green underneath. The leaves are 3-6 inches long and 0.2-0.5 inches wide, with a pointed tip and serrated edges. In the spring, the shrub produces catkins that are 1-3 inches long and 0.2-0.4 inches wide. The catkins are yellow-green in color and have long, thin hairs.
Care Guide
Salix Bebbiana is a low-maintenance shrub that requires little care once established. Here are some tips to ensure its healthy growth:
- Water: The shrub prefers moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the shrub with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the early spring.
- Soil: The shrub prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Salix Bebbiana can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salix Bebbiana is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by some common issues:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
- Willow blight: This fungal disease causes leaves to turn brown and fall off. Remove infected branches and apply a fungicide.
- Crown gall: This bacterial disease causes tumors on the roots and base of the shrub. Remove infected plants and sterilize the soil before replanting.
Habitat
Salix Bebbiana is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate flooding, making it a valuable plant for erosion control and streambank stabilization.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Salix Bebbiana be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Salix Bebbiana can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings.
Q: Is Salix Bebbiana deer-resistant?
A: Salix Bebbiana is not known to be deer-resistant.
Q: How often should I prune Salix Bebbiana?
A: Prune the shrub in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead or diseased branches and shape the shrub as desired.
Q: Can Salix Bebbiana be grown in containers?
A: It is not recommended to grow Salix Bebbiana in containers as it prefers moist soil and can grow quite large.
Related Plants
- Salix discolor
- Salix fragilis
- Salix nigra
- Salix pentandra
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Salix Bebbiana. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282698
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Salix Bebbiana. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/salix-bebbiana/
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plant Guide: Bebb Willow. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_sabe2.pdf
