Narrowleaf Cottonwood

Populus angustifolia

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Deciduous Tree
Plant Family: Salicaceae
Plant Description: A large tree of the willow family, the cottonwood is native to wetland and riparian areas throughout Utah. It is a fast grower and can reach heights of up to 60 feet. It's bark is gray and coarse, becoming deeply ridged with age. As the name suggests, the leaves are narrow, almost resembling those of a willow. It can be messy, dropping twigs and leaves throughout the year. It has an aggressive root system which can damage underground pipes.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Tree - Deciduous
Plant Care: Tree - Deciduous (single-stemmed woody plants that lose their leaves every winter): Prune regularly to promote health, provide air circulation, maintain a desirable shape, and to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most trees. With spring blooming trees, prune after the blooms are spent. Choose species that are resistant to pest damage. Monitor the tree for pests, diseases or other ailments on a regular basis. Protect the trunk especially where maintenance activities, such as mowing, may cause damage. Newly planted trees in areas with high exposure should have the trunk protected during the winter.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 45-65' tall and wide
Utah Native: Yes
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: No
Localscapes: Tree, Perimeter Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: White
Bloom Seasons: Early Spring
Bloom Period: Mar - May

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     High (1/2" more than once per week)
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Deer Resistant: Unknown

Garden Location:

  • Commercial Concepts
    • JVWCD Building
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter