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Black Cottonwood

Scientific Name: Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa L.
Synonym: Populus balsamifera var. californica , Populus hastata, Populus trichocarpa
Family: Salicaceae

"Populus trichocarpa", leafy branch, 19677 U.S.D.A Forest Service., Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: All zones
USDA: 6-10

Heat Tolerance: A good species for the lower deserts, if water use is not a concern

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part sun

Origin: Western North America, west of the Rocky Mountains, usually along washes and streams, in moist places

Growth Habits: Deciduous tree, tallest broad leaf tree native of North America, usually 40 to 60 feet tall (12-18 m), up to 200 feet (60 m); bark on young tree is yellowish to grey, becoming grey to grey-brown, furrowed, as the tree ages; triangular, variably shaped leaves, 3 to 6 inches long or more (7.5-15 cm), silvery underside; fragrant buds

Watering Needs: Regular deep watering

Propagation: Cuttings, abundant suckers

"Populus trichocarpa", winter twig, flowers, 19715 U.S.D.A Forest Service., Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

The resin of this balsam poplar has also been used medicinally.

Blooming Habits:
Dioecious. The male trees bear smaller catkins, than the female trees.

List of All the Plants | More in the Salicaceae family

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