swamp cottonwood Salicaceae Populus heterophylla

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.

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