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 | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Populus |
| Section: | Populus sect. Leucoides |
| Species: | P. heterophylla
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| Binomial name | |
| Populus heterophylla | |
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Description
editSwamp 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 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) across.[3] Mature leaves are medium to dark green on their upper surface and pale green on the lower surface.[3] Petioles are 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) long and tend to be between pale green and pale yellow.[3] This species is pollinated by wind.[4] This species flowers in April and fruits May-June.[2]
Habitat
editLocation
editThis 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
editPopulus 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 two to three months a year.[4]
Climate
editHumid 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 50°F to 70°F respectively.[4]
Special uses
editThere are no special uses or commercial value for this species due to the similarity to Populus deltoides, which grows faster and easier.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ 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 19 November 2021.
- ^ a b c "Populus heterophylla in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
- ^ a b c d e f "Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla)". www.illinoiswildflowers.info. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Populus heterophyfla L". srs.fs.usda.gov. Retrieved 2020-04-23.[1]
- ^ Smith (IUCN), Kevin (2015-04-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Populus heterophylla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2020-04-23.