swamp cottonwood Salicaceae Populus
heterophylla L.
symbol: POHE4
Leaf: Alternate, simple, broadly ovate, serrated margin, heart-shaped base, 4 to 7 inches long, petiole round, green above and paler below.
Flower: Species is dioecious; males occur in 1 inch long catkins, females occur in a sparse flowered catkin, appearing before leaves.
Fruit: Half inch capsules in hanging catkins, appearing in spring.
Twig: Stout, reddish or greenish brown, lighter lenticels, large leaf scar, orange-brown pith; buds are 1/3 inch long, reddish brown, broad and pointed, slightly gummy. Twig has a bitter aspirin taste.
Bark: Gray-brown, strongly vertically ridged.
Form: Medium to large tree that can reach heights over 80 feet, straight trunk and clear bole.
Looks like: eastern cottonwood
- water tupelo