Plant Description

Populus trichocarpa

Black Cottonwood is an important native tree species along larger rivers. It provides browse for elk and deer, nesting habitat for large birds such as great-horned owls and great blue herons, and erosion control along waterways.

A black cottonwood tree is seen against a blue sky and shorter green plants.

A Black Cottonwood tree is seen against a blue sky and shorter greenery.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height at 20 yrs 60 ft
Mature Height 110 ft
Growth Rate Rapid
Life Span Perennial
Moisture Use High
Drought Tolerance Low
Deer Browse Yes
Wildlife Value Important for habitat, food, and stream shading
Timber Value Moderate (pulp)
Resprout Ability Potential to resprout after wildfire
Hardiness USDA Zones 4-9
Flower Color Green or Yellow
Bloom Time March-April
Habitat Streamside areas

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Tracheophytes
Clade Angiosperms
Order Malpighiales
Family Salicaceae
Genus Populus
Species P. trichocarpa

Planting information

Sun

Full sun

Soil

A variety of soil types, must be moist

Special Uses

Riverbank stabilization, erosion control, habitat for birds and mammals

Ease of Care

Easy

PLANT IMAGES