Populus angustifolia

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Populus angustifolia
Populus angustifolia 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. Tacamahaca
Species:
P. angustifolia
Binomial name
Populus angustifolia
James [1]
Populus angustifolia range map 3.png
Generalized natural range of 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]

Contents

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.

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).

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Populus × acuminata or Populus acuminata, the lanceleaf cottonwood, is a species of Populus native to the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is a naturally occurring hybrid of narrowleaf cottonwood, Populus angustifolia, and eastern cottonwood, Populus deltoides, found where their ranges overlap. It is planted as a shade tree in cities in the Rockies, preferring to grow at elevations between 4,500 and 8,500 ft. Given the plant's proclivity to send out shallow roots and suckers, some municipalities prohibit their planting. Fort Collins, Colorado, by contrast, has many lanceleaf cottonwoods gracing its avenues.

References

  1. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 4 Populus angustifolia Flora of North America
  4. Populus angustifolia Southwest Colorado Wildflowers