 | Family Salicaceae - Willows and Poplars There are only two genera in this family, Salix (willows), with about 300 species, and Populus (poplars), with barely 40 species. Aspen clone colonies represent the largest and longest-lived organisms on earth. Tree Encyclopedia | Trees Index | Elms & Zelkovas | Maple Trees | Rose Family | Birch Family |
 Black Willow Salix nigra |  Eastern Cottonwood Tree Populus deltoides |  White Poplar Tree Populus alba |
There are only two genera in this family, Salix (willows), with about 300 species, and Populus (poplars), with barely 40 species. Salicaceae are found throughout the temperate parts of the world, with the majority of species occurring in the north; both willows and poplars have a strong affinity for water, and are commonly found near ponds and along watercourses.
All reproductive events (pollination, fertilization, and seed dispersal) are wind-mediated within almost all species this family. Cottonwoods, especially, are noted for their profusion of white tufted seeds, which can be produced in such numbers they accumulate on the ground in "snowdrifts." Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is capable of producing new clone plants from rhizomes; a stand of thousands of Aspen "trees" can represent one individual. It is thought these are the largest (and perhaps oldest) organisms living today. |
 Golden Weeping Willow Salix alba 'Tristis' |  Populus heterophylla Swamp Cottonwood |  Populus balsamifera Balsam Poplar |
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