Lanceleaf cottonwood (Populus x acuminata)
Growing to 50’X40’ with an elliptical canopy this tree is fast growing and short lived due to the Cytospora canker. This is a naturally occurring cross between sargentii and angustifolia generally found along rivers and streams in the mountains. Often suckers out from roots. Bright yellow fall foliage.
Roots like to surface and cause significant trouble when near concrete or structures. Wounds often decay and create large cavities in the wood making them a hazard as the trees age. Structural pruning can be helpful in establishing sound branching to support the trees immense size as it matures. High risk for breaking in wind and snow loads if not thinned and reduced properly.
Trees are often afflicted with the Cytospora Canker which is a fungus that grows in the cambium of the tree slowly clogging up the vascular system causing branch dieback and eventual death. The Plains Cottonwood is significantly more resilient and resistant to this fungus than other varieties of Poplar.
Aphids and Poplar Gall are the most common insect problem with this tree. Neither of which warrant suppression unless aesthetics of the tree are of major importance. Poplar borers are found but uncommon and usually a minor issue.