Populus heterophylla

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Populus heterophylla
Populus heterophylla - NRCS 1.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Populus
Section: Populus sect. Leucoides
Species:
P. heterophylla
Binomial name
Populus heterophylla
L.
Populus heterophylla range map 1.png

Populus heterophylla, also known as downy poplar, [2] swamp poplar [2] and swamp cottonwood, [3] is a large deciduous poplar belonging to the Populus genus of the family Salicaceae . This species can grow on sites that have too much water for other native poplars. [4] On the IUCN Red List this species is listed as "least concern". [5]

Contents

Description

Swamp poplar can reach a height 50 to 100 ft (15 to 30 m) at maturity. [3] The trunk and branches are a light to medium grey, with the trunk being coarsely furrowed. [3] The leaves are alternate deciduous that are 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) across. [3] Mature leaves are medium to dark green on their upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. [3] Petioles are 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) long and tend to be between pale green and pale yellow. [3] This species is pollinated by wind. [4] This species flowers in April and fruits May-June. [2]

Habitat

Location

This species is indigenous to warm, temperate regions in North America, although nowhere is it considered abundant. It is found in wet bottomland forests. [4] Swamp cottonwood can be found along the east coast of the United States from Connecticut to Georgia, as well as northwestern Florida and west to Louisiana. [4] It also grows in the Mississippi valley, Ohio and southern Michigan. [4]

Soils and topography

Populus heterophylla is typically found on heavy clays, but can be found on the edges of swamps (not within). [4] Ideal growth will happen in areas where the water table is near the surface for all but two to three months a year. [4]

Climate

Humid climate is common throughout the range of the swamp poplar. [4] Rainfall varies for this species based on how far north it is found. When found in Indiana the average annual rainfall is about 35 in (890 cm); as opposed to when found in Louisiana average annual rainfall is 59 in (1500 mm). [4] Yearly average temperatures range in the North and South from 50°F to 70°F respectively. [4]

Special uses

There are no special uses or commercial value for this species due to the similarity to Populus deltoides , which grows faster and easier.[ citation needed ]

References

  1. ↑ Smith, K. (2016). "Populus heterophylla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T61959850A61959867. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T61959850A61959867.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 "Populus heterophylla in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla)". www.illinoiswildflowers.info. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Populus heterophyfla L". srs.fs.usda.gov. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
  5. ↑ Smith (IUCN), Kevin (2015-04-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Populus heterophylla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
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