Description
Bundle of 10
At a Glance: Black Cottonwood is a large, tall deciduous tree that reaches up to 165’ tall, typically in a long straight trunk. It can form extensive stands on islands and floodplains along major rivers and on disturbed upland sites. The old bark is deeply furrowed and dark grey. Its buds are very sticky and full of fragrant resin. Bees collect the resin, which is an anti-infectant for their hives and they also use it to seal intruders (such as mice) in the resin to prevent decay and protect the hive.
Leaves: Leaves are alternate, deciduous, thick, oval with rounded to heart-shaped base and sharp-pointed tip. Their margin is finely round-toothed, under surface is pale.
Flowers: Male and female flowers are in catkins on separate plants. Male flowers with 40-60 stamens, and female flowers with 3 stigmas. Flowers appear before leaves open up. Seeds are covered in white fluffy hairs that float and drift about when dispersed.
Growing Conditions:
| Sun/Shade Tolerance | Hydrology | Elevation Range |
| Full sun 80%-100%
Most sun 60%-80%
|
Moist
Wet
|
Low elevations
Mid elevations
|
References:
MacKinnon, A., Pojar, J., & Alaback, P. B. (1994). Plants of the Pacific Northwest coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Richmond, Wash: Lone Pine Publishing.
