Contents
Description
Populus Heterophylla, commonly known as the swamp cottonwood, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It can grow up to 30 meters in height and has a broad, spreading crown. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and deeply furrowed, while the leaves are large and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The leaves are also asymmetrical, with a wider base than the tip, which is a distinguishing feature of the species.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicots |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Populus |
Appearance
The swamp cottonwood has a broad, spreading crown that can reach a width of up to 20 meters. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and deeply furrowed, with a rough texture. The leaves are large and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip, and can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. The leaves are also asymmetrical, with a wider base than the tip, which is a distinguishing feature of the species. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, brownish-red fruit that contain numerous seeds.
Care Guide
The swamp cottonwood prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sand, clay, and loam. The tree requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought, and benefits from the application of a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. The tree is hardy to USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The swamp cottonwood is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including leaf rust, cankers, and aphids. Leaf rust causes yellowing and premature dropping of leaves, while cankers can cause dieback and eventual death of the tree. Aphids can cause stunted growth and distortion of leaves. Regular monitoring and treatment with appropriate pesticides can help to prevent and control these issues.
Habitat
The swamp cottonwood is commonly found in wetland areas, such as swamps, bogs, and floodplains. It is also found along streams and rivers, and can tolerate periodic flooding. The tree is native to North America, and can be found from eastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the swamp cottonwood a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the swamp cottonwood is a fast-growing tree, and can grow up to 1.5 meters per year.
Q: Can the swamp cottonwood be used for lumber?
A: Yes, the wood of the swamp cottonwood is lightweight and soft, and is commonly used for pulpwood, crates, and pallets.
Q: Does the swamp cottonwood have any medicinal uses?
A: Yes, various parts of the swamp cottonwood have been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, coughs, and arthritis.
Q: Is the swamp cottonwood an important species for wildlife?
A: Yes, the swamp cottonwood provides important habitat and food sources for a range of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and muskrats.
Related Plants
- Populus Alba
- Populus Balsamifera
- Populus Deltoides
- Populus Grandidentata
- Populus Nigra
References
- “Populus heterophylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280710.
- “Swamp cottonwood.” USDA Forest Service. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/pophec/all.html.
- “Populus heterophylla.” Virginia Tech Dendrology. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=320.
