Populus monticola

White Bark Cottonwood
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 65' tall and 25' wide. Upright crown with pendulous outer branching. Growth rates of up to 3ft per year are common. Usually short lived, less than 50 years in natural habitat.

Native Range

Southern Baja California and east-central Sonora.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers in spring, inconspicuous. Fruits are small, brown capsules, 0.25-0.5", fruiting in summer.

Leaf and Bark Features

Leaves are medium green, lanceolate. Gold fall color. Bark is striking, smooth, creamy white, resembles that of Quaking Aspen.

Culture and Care

Prefers moist to wet soils, loam to sand. Susceptible to Aphids and Scales, Anthracnose, Canker, Crown Rot, Mistletoe and Sooty Mold.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

This species may be Populus brandegeei.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Populus monticola // White Bark Cottonwood ("straight species")
    Tree.
    BT001994