Conservation: Black cottonwood is a very fast-growing and potentially large tree, easy to establish, and useful for shade and ornament. The Black Cottonwood, Populus balsamifera, grows mostly west of the Rocky Mountains and is the largest Western cottonwood. Because of its natural fire resistance it was often used for floorboards, especially in the days of paraffin lamps. 8225 Waters Road • Moorpark • CA 93021 • p 805 523-8604 • f 805 523-2298 may predominate locally. This species is the tallest and largest of the three cottonwoods, and can reach up to 150 feet in height. It can grow to 150’ (50m) or more and can live 200-300 years. It is naturally springy and resistant to shock. Some male cultivars are available to homeowners, and hybrid poplar, also called Carolina poplar (Populus deltoides x Populus nigra) is also cottonless. It reaches from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. Growth: Black Cottonwood grows very fast, several feet each year. Distribution: Black Cottonwood is found from coastal Alaska to the mountains of California, with some growing as far south as northwest Mexico. In the Cottonwood-Willow Type, black cot - Pustules later turn dark brown or black. This disease is caused by a bacterial infection. (See the section on Wet Wood in the Elm Disease section for details and control) Rust (fungus – Melampsora medusae): Small, yellowish-orange pustules on lower surfaces of leaves. Black cottonwood is the key species in both the Black Cottonwood-Willow Type and the Cottonwood-Willow Type of the Society of American Foresters system of forest classification. The leaf has fine teeth, unlike the other cottonwoods. Black Cottonwood Tree Identification. Cottonwood Facts. The more tender inner bark was used for food in the spring and summer, and old dead leaves were boiled and used in baths to treat body aches and stomach problems. Cottonwood trees grow very fast making them desirable for timber production. Black cottonwood also has been planted as windbreaks and shelterbelts and it is commonly used for screening along motorways in Europe. Personally, I find that certain kinds of trees have a special kind of majesty. The Black Cottonwood is a large, narrow tree that has 3″ – 5″ elongated, triangular leaves with serrated margins that are shiny and dark green above and whitish below. The aggressive root systems of black cottonwood are effective soil In the first, it is usually pure or predominant, but arborescent willows (Salix spp.) Some cottonwood trees have been known to add six feet or more in height every single year! Cottonwood trees grow throughout the south-west and into the Rocky Mountains. Black cottonwood resin has disinfectant properties and has been used by Coast Salish people for sore throats and coughs as well as being applied directly to wounds to prevent infection. It is also called Western balsam poplar and California poplar. Black Cottonwood Populus balsamifera subspecies trichocarpa Plant type Deciduous tree Size 30′ – 100’x25′ – 30′ Light Full sun Water Regular Zone 6 to 10. Here are some fun facts about these magnificent trees. Black poplar wood is fine textured, soft and almost white in colour. Cottonwood Tree Facts Native Americans used cottonwood trees for dugout canoes and even transformed its bark into a medicinal tea. The following points should help you to identify a black cottonwood. Traditional uses included cart wheels and wagon bottoms. The Fremont Cottonwood can be found throughout the southwestern United States and into northern Mexico while the Black Poplar is native to Europe and western Asia. Wet Wood (bacterial): Occurs in Cottonwood and Lombardy Poplar. I have very strong memories of cottonwood trees because I have come across them a lot in my explorations of Utah and the Rockies. 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