Key to Populus Species I. Leaf stalks are not flattened vertically and are rounded, or nearly so. A. Leaves are lobed, white, and woolly below. Foliage is toothed or shallow-lobed, especially on vigorous shoots. Young twigs and buds are often white and woolly. Leaves are not lobed.
Leaves are whitish and hairy beneath.
Terminal bud is sticky and usually much larger than side buds. Twigs are fragrant. First scale of side bud is borne on the side opposite the twig. Foliage is tomentose when young, becoming glabrous, or somewhat hairy, as it ages. Branchlets are stout and dull brown or gray in color.