FRUIT.—May; 2-4-valved, short-stalked capsules, borne in drooping catkins 5-10 inches long; seeds light brown, densely cottony.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/2 inch long, conical, acute, very resinous, shining, brownish.
BARK.—Twigs and young stems smooth, yellow-green; old trunks ashy gray, deeply divided into straight furrows with broad, rounded ridges.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, close-grained, dark brown, with thick, whitish sapwood; warps badly and is difficult to season.
DISTRIBUTION.—Entire Michigan; rare in the northern portions.
HABITAT.—Prefers rich, moist soil; river-banks; river-bottoms; lake-shores; grows well in drier situations.
NOTES.—Rapid of growth, consequently an excellent tree for immediate effect. Propagated from cuttings.