Contents
Description
Populus Balsamifera Subsp. Trichocarpa, commonly known as black cottonwood, is a deciduous tree that can reach up to 50 meters in height. It is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America and is commonly found near rivers, streams, and wetlands. The tree has a broad, open crown and a straight trunk with smooth, grayish-brown bark.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Populus |
Appearance
The leaves of the black cottonwood are triangular in shape and can reach up to 10 centimeters in length. They have a shiny, dark green upper surface and a pale underside. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, which are followed by small capsules containing numerous seeds. The bark of the tree is smooth on young trees but becomes deeply furrowed on older specimens.
Care Guide
Black cottonwood trees prefer moist soil and plenty of sunlight. They are hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate a range of soil types. Water the tree deeply once a week during dry periods and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Prune the tree in the winter to remove any dead or diseased branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
Black cottonwood trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and leaf rust. The tree may also be affected by cankers, which can cause dieback and decline of the tree.
Habitat
Black cottonwood trees are commonly found in riparian areas, such as riverbanks, streams, and wetlands. They are also planted as ornamental trees in parks and residential landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the lifespan of a black cottonwood tree?
A: Black cottonwood trees can live up to 200 years.
Q: Can black cottonwood trees be grown in containers?
A: While possible, black cottonwood trees are not well-suited to container growing and are best planted in the ground.
Q: Are black cottonwood trees fast-growing?
A: Yes, black cottonwood trees are fast-growing and can grow up to 2 meters per year.
Q: What is the wood of the black cottonwood tree used for?
A: The wood of the black cottonwood tree is used for a variety of purposes, including pulpwood, plywood, and furniture.
Related Plants
- Populus deltoides
- Populus tremuloides
- Populus nigra
References
- “Populus balsamifera subsp. trichocarpa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c308
- “Black Cottonwood.” Oregon State University Extension. Accessed September 2021. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/trees-shrubs-landscaping/trees/black-cottonwood
- “Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed September 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=pobat2
