Narrowleaf Cottonwood Tree

Tree Identification
Botanical name: Populus angustifolia
Family: Salicaceae (willow)
Narrowleaf Cottonwood - Populus angustifolia - Bark, Leaves and Catkins

A.K.A. willow-leaved poplar and mountain cottonwood.

The Latin word for people is populus and angustifolia is Latin for narrow leaved.

  • Native
  • Deciduous
  • 50 – 70 feet height
  • Often found by creeks and streams.
  • scalloped margins
  • Leaves are shiny green, simple, finely serrated, alternate, 2 to 5 inches long and 1/2″ to 1″ wide
  • Narrowleaf cottonwood trees are dioecious and flower in the spring before the leaves appear.
  • Catkins are 3 – 4 inches long, yellow with a greenish hue, they are fluffy and produce cotton-like seeds.
  • Zones 3-9.