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Narrowleaf Cottonwood

Populus angustifolia

CommonPlant
Illustration of Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia)

Narrowleaf Cottonwood is a riparian tree of high-elevation streams in the Rocky Mountains, with narrow, willow-like leaves distinguishing it from other cottonwoods. It forms important gallery forest along mountain streams providing habitat for yellow warblers, willow flycatchers, and beavers. It hybridizes freely with plains cottonwood where their ranges overlap.

Habitat
High-elevation stream corridors and riverbanks in the Rocky Mountains
Diet
Provides nesting habitat for yellow warblers; bark consumed by beavers
How common
Common

Best time to see a Narrowleaf Cottonwood

The best time to see a Narrowleaf Cottonwood is April–August, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,496 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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