BLACK COTTONWOOD

Common Name:         Black Cottonwood

Scientific Name:        Populus trichocarpa

Distribution:              Black Cottonwood occurs throughout Washington at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet.  

Growth Habit:           Black Cottonwood is a tall fast growing (although short lived) deciduous tree.  A mature tree can grow over 100 feet tall.  It can reach 50 feet tall in as little as 10 years. 

Adaptability:               Black Cottonwood is an important species in riparian zones throughout

Washington.  It roots aggressively and is a strong soil binder.  Dense stands have proven more effective at preventing stream bank erosion during flooding than rock work in many cases.  Its rapid growth provides shade to its surrounding environment in short order.  It is also an important wildlife species providing food and shelter for many species of birds, mammals, and the occasional reptile.  It is used for wind breaks as well.  In addition, Black Cottonwood is a commercially valuable tree, its wood is used for lumber, veneer, and pulp, like Hybrid Poplar.  While its growth does not compare to that of Hybrid Poplar, it is a native species.  Some concern has been noted regarding the potential of male Hybrid Poplars to cross pollinate with female native black Cottonwood creating potentially undesirable hybrids.