Pillowy Soft
July 2, 2010 – 10:10 amThe Bow River is starting to swell as the spring run-off in the mountains begins. So along the river bike paths the annual spring fluff blizzard is underway.
The fluff is from the female poplar tree. The tree produces a soft cotton that carries its seeds along the river banks, as it typically relies on flood-like conditions and warmer weather to germinate its seeds. The poplars down by the river are big and old, and still produce a lot of seed fuzz.
Poplar is native to Alberta and is the most common tree in Calgary. Poplar is also grown in shelter belts by farmers and ranchers across the prairies because it grows quickly, is relatively disease resistant and once established is very long-lived. Poplar are now being slowly replaced throughout the city. In an urban environment, the fluff is a temporary bother but the tree also produces a sappy seed, and its roots can cause problems when they push up cement driveways and sidewalks. So three strikes, its out for a lot of homeowners.
The fluff blizzard is short-lived. If you don’t want a spring blizzard in your yard, plant a Swedish columnar aspen or a male or seed sterile poplar – there are a number of cultivars available. For now, just be happy it’s finally hot enough to go rafting on the Bow.
One Response to “Pillowy Soft”
I think I’m gonna sneeze… ahhhh choo!
Great post!
By Meredehuit on Jul 2, 2010