The poplar genus is a fast-growing family of mainly riparian trees in the willow family. Aspens and cottonwoods are also in the poplar's genus, Populus. The most common tree of this family seen in California is the fremont Cottonwood. The quaking aspen of the High Sierra is also a poplar. One of the most commonly seen in the desert southwest is Lombardy Poplar, which isnt native, but was commonly planted as a windbreak or for scenic value. These trees are extremely tall and thin 'like an exclamation point in the landscape' and are often found around old homesteads. Luckily, they do not spread like tamarisk, and they are mainly non-invasive.
why do i have deja vu?