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Western Wetland Flora

Field Office Guide to Plant Species

Narrow-leaf Cotton-wood
Populus angustifolia E. James

JPG -- Species Photo JPG -- Distribution Map

Family: Willow (Salicaceae)
Flowering: February-April
Field Marks: This tree is recognized by its lanceolate, toothed leaves that are paler on the lower surface. It differs from similar-leaved willows by having its leaf buds covered by several scales.
Habitat: Along streams, in moist woods.
Habit: Tree up to 60 feet tall; trunk light brown, shallowly furrowed.
Stems: Twigs orange-brown at first, becoming tan, not hairy.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, lanceolate, up to 4 inches long, up to 2 inches wide, long pointed at the tip, rounded or tapering at the base, paler green on the lower surface, smooth, toothed.
Flowers: Many crowded into elongated spikes up to 4 inches long, the male spikes borne on separate trees from the female flowers; each flower subtended by 1 bract.
Sepals: 0.
Petals: 0.
Stamens: 10-20.
Pistils: Ovary superior.
Fruits: Capsules nearly spherical but with a short point at the tip, up to 1/4 inch long; seeds with tufts of hairs.
Notes: The flowers bloom before the leaves unfold.

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Page Last Modified: Saturday, 02-Feb-2013 06:25:55 EST
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