Narrowleaf cottonwood - Populus angustifolia

Pronunciation: pop’-u-lus an-gus-ti-fol’-e-a

Leaf: Narrow ( ¾ to 1 ½ inches wide) by 2 - 6 inches long. Broadest near the middle, round base, very pointed tip, finely toothed. Sticky underneath Short petiole. Stout yellow midrib (central vein).

Bud: Brown, sticky, 3 - 5 thin scales. ½ inch long. Slender, pointed. Lateral buds may be curved outward.

Leaf Scar: Oval, Three bundle scars.

Stem: Slender, round, smooth, yellow-green when young. Pale lenticels.

Bark: Gray furrowed.

Pith: Greenish to light brown, 5-pointed, solid.

Flower: Male and female on separate trees.

Fruit: Egg-shaped capsule on drooping catkins which release hairy brown seeds.

Habit: Tall, oval, native usually found along streambanks and wet areas. To 40 feet tall. Suckers.

Culture: High moisture requirement.

Looks like: Fremont cottonwood - balsam poplar - black cottonwood - arroyo willow

Populus angustifolia - narrowleaf cottonwood Latin name / narrow leaves