Salicaceae (willow family)

Question 1

Salicaceae is what family?

Answer 1

Willow family

Question 1

Key features:

Answer 1

• leaf or scale like deciduous stipules
• bitter tasting bark
• dioecious catkin flowers
• seed with cottony hairs
• single bud scales (look like a shield)

Question 2

What’s the story regarding the expansion of the salicaceae family?

Answer 2

Recent phylogenetic studies led to 56 new genera and 1220 species!

Question 3

Four poplar species native to MN:

Answer 3

Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Bigtooth aspen (P. grandidentata), Quaking aspen (P. tremuloides), Balsam poplar (P. balsamifera),

Question 4

Why would it be difficult to identify the Salix species in MN?

Answer 4

Numerous instances of hybrids

Question 5

What’s special about salix arctica (Arctic willow)?

Answer 5

Tied for Northernmost vascular plant

Question 6

Which species (it’s in the salicaceae family) was cited as being Minnesota’s largest tree?

Answer 6

Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

Question 7

Which species is the most common in MN? (a salicaceae family member)

Answer 7

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Question 8

Which species produces a resin referred to as “Balm of Gilead”?

Answer 8

Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera)

Question 9

Anatomically speaking, what are the pussy willows that we seek in the Spring?

Answer 9

Catkins (male)

Question 10

Would you want a white poplar in your yard? Why or why not?

Answer 10

No, lots of rootsuckers and more importantly, its ugly!

Question 11

Are poplars worthless as landscape plants?

Answer 11

No, they grow fast, good backdrop/tall hedge

Question 12

What’s the problem with willow trees?

Answer 12

• messy, prone to wind, ice, and snow damage on a catastrophic scale!
• invasive roots seek water and have been known to clog pipes

Question 13

What are the problems with poplars in the landscape?

Answer 13

• short lived, susceptible to host insects and diseases