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 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 |