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Native Plant Database

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Populus angustifolia (Narrow-leaf cottonwood)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Populus angustifolia James

Narrow-leaf cottonwood, Narrowleaf cottonwood

Salicaceae (Willow Family)

USDA Symbol: POAN3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Narrow-leaf cottonwood is a small, deciduous tree, growing 45-60 ft., with a rather narrow crown and slender twigs. Bark is less deeply furrowed than the broad-leaved cottonwoods. Toothed, yellow-green leaves are narrow and willow-like. Tree with narrow, conical crown of slender, upright branches and with resinous, balsam-scented buds.

Discovered in 1805 by Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Northwest, this is the common cottonwood of the northern Rocky Mountains. It is easily distinguishable from related species by the narrow, short-stalked, willowlike leaves. Its root system makes it suitable for erosion control.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf: Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NE , NM , NV , OR , SD , TX , UT , WY
Canada: AB , SK
Native Distribution: Alt. to s.e. OR, s. to Trans-Pecos, TX, AZ & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Stream banks; foothills; high plains
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Moist to mesic soils.
Conditions Comments: Female trees produce clouds of cottony seeds each spring that can be a temporary nuisance. To avoid the problem, plant only male trees.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Bibliography

Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Populus angustifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Populus angustifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Populus angustifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-04-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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