Biology:Populus heterophylla
| Populus heterophylla | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| 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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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]
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 50°F to 70°F 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.
References
- ↑ Smith, K. (2016). "Populus heterophylla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T61959850A61959867. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T61959850A61959867.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/61959850/61959867. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Populus heterophylla in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242417040.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla)". http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/sw_cottonwd.html.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 "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". https://www.iucnredlist.org/en.
External links
- USDA Forest Service: Silvics of Trees of North America. Populus heterophylla L. Swamp Cottonwood
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plant Profiles. Populus heterophylla L. swamp cottonwood
Wikidata ☰ Q3297849 entry
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