 |
|
Cottonwood, Narrowleaf
& Plains
Populus angustifolia & Populus deltoides |
|
| 
Plains and Narrowleaf cottonwood are the large shade trees native
to rivers and streams throughout the Rocky Mountains. Narrowleaf
is the mountain species, growing from Salida upstream; Plains is
the prairie species, growing from Salida downstream. Narrowleaf
is a shorter tree with a narrower canopy and lance-shaped leaves.
Plains cottonwood can grow over 100 feet tall at lower elevations,
with a girth of up to 36 ft. Its leaves are heart-shaped. |
Height: 50’
Crown Spread: 40’
Growth Rate: fast
Flowers: pendulous catkins, often purple in Plains
cottonwood; male and female flowers on separate trees
Foliage: shiny green foliage which turns bright yellow
in fall
Fruit: female trees release cottony seeds in mid-summer
Soil: moist, well drained
Water: high
Sun: full
Problems: oystershell or armored scale, canker, sheds
limbs in wind and snowstorms, roots may lift sidewalks and penetrate
seeping sewer lines
Comments: Seedless varieties available.
Street Tree: not recommended |
