Populus angustifolia

Populus angustifolia, commonly known as the narrowleaf cottonwood,[2] is a species of tree in the willow family (Salicaceae). It is native to western North America, where it is a characteristic species of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding plains.[3] It ranges north to the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada and south to the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Sonora in Mexico.[3] Its natural habitat is by streams and creeks between 3,900 to 7,900 feet (1,200 to 2,400 m) elevation.[1][3]

Populus angustifolia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Populus
Section: Populus sect. Tacamahaca
Species:
P. angustifolia
Binomial name
Populus angustifolia
James[1]
Generalized natural range of Populus angustifolia

Description

The tree is slim in profile, and can grow in tightly packed clusters.[4] Its leaves are yellow-green, lanceolate (lance-shaped), and with scalloped margins. It produces catkins in the early spring. The fruiting capsules are fluffy and white.

  • Old catkins and emerging spring leaves
    Old catkins and emerging spring leaves

Taxonomy

Where their ranges come into contact, this species will readily hybridize with Populus balsamifera, Populus deltoides, Populus fremontii, and Populus trichocarpa. These hybrids can form extensive populations in some regions. Due to the frequency and morphological consistency of P. angustifolia × P. deltoides hybrids, they were initially described as a fully separate species ("P. acuminata") until its hybrid origin was firmly established in the 1980s.[3]

Uses

The buds are sticky and gummy and were enjoyed as a sort of chewing gum by local Native American peoples, including the Apache and Navajo. The tree is the host species of the sugarbeet root aphid (Pemphigus betae).

References
  1. "P. angustifolia James". Jepson Manual Treatment.
  2. USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Populus angustifolia". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  3. Populus angustifolia Flora of North America
  4. Populus angustifolia Southwest Colorado Wildflowers


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