Black Cottonwood | Populus trichocarpa - Benton Soil And Water Conservation District

Black Cottonwood | Populus trichocarpa

Tall trees with moss-covered trunks in a lush green forest canopy.

Description

Fast growing with dark gray bark. Black cottonwood may be planted as a windbreak. It is dangerous near homes as the wandering roots will find septic systems and drain fields. It is illegal to plant within Corvallis City limits without the signature of the City Manager.

Plant Details

Habitats	Riparian Forests, Bottomland Forests
Habitat Notes	Floodplains; Bottomland Forest; Riparian Forest
Phenology	Flowering February-April
Mature Height	Up to 180 ft
Shade Preference	Full Sun
Soil Tolerance	Moist soils
Special Uses	Attracts birds; Provides wildlife forage, cover and food; Provides bank stabilization; Grown for timber production

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Bottomland Forests

Bottomland forests are generally used to describe forests which are comprised of both hardwood and softwood tree species that occur on low-elevation, alluvial floodplains or lower terraces of rivers…

A lush green riparian forest with tall red alder trees and a rocky stream running through it.

Riparian Forests

Riparian areas are defined by NRCS as ecosystems that occur along waterways and water bodies. They serve as the transition between aquatic and terrestrial zones.