Narrowleaf cottonwood is a fast growing, single stemmed tree with upright branches that form a narrow, though spreading crown. The yellowish green young bark turns grayish brown, rough and somewhat furrowed with age. Leaves are narrow and willow-like, dark green above, and paler below, with finely toothed margins, turning a dull yellow in the fall. Flowers appear in May in the form of catkins, female and male on separate plants. Grows 50 to 65 feet tall and 50 to 60 feet wide. A Utah native. A good choice for riparian corridor areas.
Grow in full sun in moist to wet well-drained soil. Tolerates periodical flooding. Excellent for erosion control near streams, though not ideal near homes, as the aggressively spreading root system will find water lines, septic systems, and drain fields. Narrow-leaved cottonwood provides habitat, cover, and food for a diversity of wildlife including birds, small mammals, deer and moose.