Category: Poplars

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Appearance: Populus deltoides is a tall deciduous tree known for its triangular leaves and cottony seeds.

Leaves: The leaves are triangular or deltoid in shape, coarsely toothed, and often have a flattened petiole.

Flowers: The tree produces male and female flowers in separate catkins.

Fruits: The female catkins release cottony seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Habitat: It is commonly found along riverbanks and in floodplains.

Distribution: Eastern cottonwood is native to North America.

Occurrence
One planted in north west corner along crick in 2018

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Populus balsamifera (Balsam Poplar or Balm of Gilead) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Salicaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Shape: Balsam poplar is a medium to large-sized tree that typically reaches heights of 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters). It has a straight, tall trunk and an irregular, open crown.

Leaves: The leaves of Populus balsamifera are large, broad, and ovate with serrated edges. They are dark green on the upper surface and paler beneath. The leaves emit a pleasant, balsam-like fragrance when crushed, giving the tree its name.

Bark: The bark of balsam poplar is smooth and greenish-brown when young, but as the tree ages, it develops into grayish-brown with shallow furrows and raised ridges.

Flowers: The tree produces inconspicuous flowers in the form of catkins. Male catkins are long and drooping, releasing pollen, while female catkins are shorter and erect, containing tiny seeds.

Buds: One of the distinguishing features of balsam poplar is its large, sticky, and resinous buds, which are coated with a gummy substance.

Habitat: Populus balsamifera is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including wetlands, riverbanks, and floodplains. It has a preference for moist, well-drained soils.

Cultivation: Balsam poplar is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to various growing conditions. It is often planted for shelterbelts, windbreaks, and erosion control.

Other Species: There are other species of poplar, such as Populus deltoides (Eastern cottonwood) and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), each with its unique characteristics.

Balsam poplar is known for its pleasant fragrance, attractive bark, and rapid growth, making it a popular choice for various planting and landscaping purposes. Its resinous buds and the aromatic compounds derived from them have also been used for medicinal and herbal purposes.

Occurrence
Found in several locations near wetter areas. Continually growing and regenerating populations exist naturally.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen or Trembling Aspen) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Salicaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Shape: Quaking aspen is a medium-sized tree that typically reaches heights of 20 to 80 feet (6 to 24 meters). It has a slender, straight trunk and a narrow, conical or pyramidal shape when young, gradually becoming more rounded with age.

Leaves: The leaves of Populus tremuloides are small, round to heart-shaped, and have serrated edges. They are bright green on the upper surface and paler beneath. One of the distinctive features of this tree is the fluttering or “quaking” of its leaves in the slightest breeze due to their flattened petioles.

Bark: The bark of quaking aspen is smooth and grayish-white when young, but as the tree matures, it develops black furrows and white patches, giving it a unique appearance.

Flowers: The tree produces inconspicuous flowers in the form of catkins. Male catkins are long and drooping, releasing pollen, while female catkins are smaller and erect, containing tiny seeds.

Fall Color: During the autumn season, the leaves of quaking aspen turn vibrant shades of yellow, making it a striking sight in the fall landscape.

Habitat: Populus tremuloides is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including moist lowland areas, upland forests, and mountain slopes. It often forms extensive stands known as “aspen groves” through its ability to reproduce vegetatively through root suckers.

Cultivation: Quaking aspen is appreciated for its ornamental value, especially in naturalistic landscapes. It is also important for its ecological role, providing habitat for various wildlife species.

Other Species: There are other species of aspen, such as Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) and Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar), each with its unique characteristics.

Quaking aspen is a remarkable tree with its distinctive fluttering leaves, attractive bark, and vibrant fall colors. Its ecological significance, coupled with its beauty, makes it a valued tree in many regions.

Occurance
Widespread throughout the wooded areas. Spreading into new areas, but also being eaten back by beavers.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Appearance: Populus grandidentata is a deciduous tree known for its rounded leaves with big teeth along the margins.

Leaves: The leaves are rounded and have large teeth along the margins.

Bark: The bark is smooth and grayish-green, with white markings.

Habitat: It is commonly found in mixed woodlands and on hillsides.

Distribution: Bigtooth aspen is native to North America.

Occurrence
One large tree in farm yard. A population of Sawtooth Aspen occur on the western side of the large brush island.