Alternate name: Gray Willow
Family: Salicaceae, Willow view all from this family
Description Much-branched shrub or small tree with broad, rounded crown.
Height: 10-25' (3-7.6 m).
Diameter: 6" (15 cm).
Leaves: 1-3 1/2" (2.5-9 cm) long, 3/8-1" (1-2.5 cm) wide. Elliptical; often broadest beyond middle; sharp-pointed at ends; slightly saw-toothed or wavy; firm; slightly hairy. Dull green above, gray or whitish and net-veined beneath.
Bark: gray; smooth, becoming rough and furrowed.
Twigs: reddish-purple; slender, widely forking; with pressed hairs when young.
Flowers: catkins 3/4-1 1/2" (2-4 cm) long; with yellow or brown scales; on short, leafy stalks; before or with leaves.
Fruit: 3/8" (10 mm long; very slender capsules, hairy, light brown, ending in long point; long-stalked; maturing in early summer.
Habitat Moist open uplands and borders of streams, lakes, and swamps.
Range Central and SW. Alaska south to British Columbia and east to Newfoundland, south to Maryland, west to Iowa, and south in Rocky Mountains to S. New Mexico; to 11,000' (3353 m) southward. Also in NE. Asia.
Discussion Bebb Willow is the most important "diamond willow," a term applied to several species which sometimes have diamond-shaped patterns on their trunks. These are caused by fungi, usually in shade or poor sites. The contrasting whitish and brownish stems are carved into canes, lamps, posts, furniture, and candleholders. Forms willow thickets as a weed on uplands after forest fires. Named for Michael Schuck Bebb (1833-95), U.S. specialist on willows.
