Family: Salicaceae
Author: E.James
Bibliography: Account Exped. Pittsburgh 1: 497 (1823 publ. 1822)
Year: 1822
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Populus
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to N. Mexico
Description
Mountain cottonwood, known scientifically as Populus angustifolia, is a fascinating species of tree that belongs to the Salicaceae family. This deciduous tree is noted for its slender leaves and long, narrow branches, which give it a distinctive appearance among the flora of North America. The species was first described in literature by E. James in his account of the Pittsburgh expedition in 1823—though it was actually published in 1822.
Native to the vast regions stretching from Western Canada to Northern Mexico, Mountain cottonwood thrives in riparian zones. These trees are typically found along riverbanks and streams, where they play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil and providing a habitat for various wildlife species.
Mountain cottonwoods are particularly valued for their ability to tolerate and even thrive in varying climatic conditions. This adaptability makes them an important species within their native range, contributing to ecosystem balance and sustainability. The trees can grow to an impressive height, creating a picturesque canopy that offers both shade and shelter.
While their aesthetic and ecological contributions are significant, Mountain cottonwoods also have practical uses. In various cultural contexts, they have been used for purposes ranging from traditional medicine to crafting materials. Their wood, though not as hard or durable as that of other hardwood trees, finds use in making pallets, boxes, and sometimes even furniture, especially in regions where the tree is abundant.
In essence, Mountain cottonwood stands as a remarkable example of nature’s resilience and adaptability. Its presence across a broad geographical range underscores its importance within a variety of ecosystems, highlighting both its ecological role and its contribution to natural beauty.
Common Names
Spa: liard amer
Eng: mountain cottonwood, narrow-leaf cottonwood, narrowleaf cottonwood, willow cottonwood, narrow-leaved cottonwood, narrow-leaved balsam poplar
Fra: peuplier à feuilles étroites
En: Mountain cottonwood, Narrow-leaf cottonwood, Narrowleaf cottonwood, Willow cottonwood, Narrow-leaved cottonwood, Narrow-leaved balsam poplar
Fr: Peuplier à feuilles étroites
Es: Liard amer
Synonyms
- Populus × canadensis var. angustifolia ((E.James) Wesm.)
- Populus coloradensis (Dode)
- Populus × sennii (B.Boivin)
- Populus tweedyi (Britton)
- Populus balsamifera var. angustifolia ((E.James) S.Watson)
- Populus fortissima (A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.)
- Populus angustifolia var. coloradensis ((Dode) Gombócz)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Aug 1, 1994 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 1, 1994 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3040196)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:208240-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Populus angustifolia E.James)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 6.0
