Populus heterophylla

Populus heterophylla, also known as downy poplar,[2] swamp poplar[2] and swamp cottonwood,[3] is a large deciduous poplar belonging to the Populus genus of the family Salicaceae. This species can grow on sites that have too much water for other native poplars.[4] On the IUCN Red List this species is listed as "least concern".[5]

Populus heterophylla

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Malpighiales
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Populus
Species:
P. heterophylla
Binomial name
Populus heterophylla

Description

Swamp poplar can reach a height 50 to 100 ft at maturity.[3] The trunk and branches are a light to medium grey, with the trunk being coarsely furrowed.[3] The leaves are alternate deciduous that are 4-6 inches long and 3-4 inches across[3]. Mature leaves are medium to dark green on their upper surface and pale green on the lower surface.[3] Petioles are 2-3 inches long and tend to be between pale green or pale yellow.[3] This species is pollinated by wind.[4] This species flowers in April and fruits May-June.[2]

Habitat

Location

This species is indigenous to warm, temperate regions in North America, although nowhere is it considered abundant. It is found in wet bottomland forests.[4] Swamp cottonwood can be found along the east coast of the United States from Connecticut to Georgia, as well as northwestern Florida and west to Louisiana[4]. It also grows in the Mississippi valley, Ohio and southern Michigan[4].

Soils and topography

Populus heterophylla is typically found on heavy clays, but can be found on the edges of swamps (not within).[4] Ideal growth will happen in areas where the water table is near the surface for all but 2-3 months a year.[4]

Climate

Humid climate is common throughout the range of the swamp poplar.[4] Rainfall varies for this species based on how far north it is found. When found in Indiana the average annual rainfall is about 35 in (890 cm); as opposed to when found in Louisiana average annual rainfall is 59 in (1500 mm).[4] Yearly average temperatures range in the North and South from 50ºF to 70ºF respectively[4].

Special uses

There are no special uses or commercial value for this species due to the similarity to Populus deltoides, which grows faster and easier.

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References
  1. Smith, K. (2016). "Populus heterophylla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T61959850A61959867. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T61959850A61959867.en. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  2. "Populus heterophylla in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
  3. "Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla)". www.illinoiswildflowers.info. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
  4. "Populus heterophyfla L". srs.fs.usda.gov. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
  5. Smith (IUCN), Kevin (2015-04-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Populus heterophylla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
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