Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Populus angustifolia is a species of poplar tree known by the common names Narrowleaf Cottonwood and Willow-leaved Poplar. This tree is native to the Great Basin in the United States where it is most often found by streams and creeks at some elevation. The tree is slim in profile, with yellow-green lance-shaped leaves-(lance-shaped), with scalloped margins. The catkins are fluffy and white. The buds are sticky and gummy and were enjoyed as a sort of chewing gum by local Native American peoples, including the Apache and Navajo.

Plant type

Tree

Size

30 - 60 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Calscape icon
Color

White

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Full Sun

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Propagation

For propagating by seed: No treatment. Use fresh seeds, usually viable only a few days. Seeds should not be covered or pressed into medium; seedbed should be kept saturated for first mo. Easily propagated from stem cuttings.

Site type

Streamsides

Plant communities

Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

3 confirmed and 31 likely

Confirmed Likely

Weidemeyer's Admiral

Limenitis weidemeyerii

Western Tent Caterpillar

Malacosoma californica

Reed's Dart Moth

Abagrotis reedi