Certified Arborist Practice Exam

What type of tree is the Poplar tree known for being?

1. A tree with small flat seeds

2. An evergreen tree with downward cones

3. A tree with needles growing in pairs of two, three, and five

4. A slender tree with strong branches, common in the American South

The correct answer is: A tree with small flat seeds

The Poplar tree is indeed known for its characteristic of producing small flat seeds. Poplar trees, belonging to the genus Populus, are distinguished by their seed structure, which is often described as having a cottony or silky appearance when the seeds are dispersed. This adaptation helps in the distribution of the seeds by wind, enabling colonization in various environments. In contrast, the other descriptions do not align with the traits typically associated with Poplar trees. For example, evergreen trees that bear downward cones are more characteristic of conifers, such as pines or firs, which do not represent the Poplar family. Similarly, trees with needles growing in pairs, threes, or fives are specific to certain species of pines, which are distinct from deciduous trees like Poplars. The slender tree with strong branches referenced in the remaining option may pertain to different tree species indigenous to the American South, but it does not specifically define Poplar trees, which are known for their height and more upright growth form rather than slender branches alone.