Black Cottonwood
Populus trichocarpa
Found along rivers and floodplains throughout the Tri-Cities. Common along the Fraser River, Pitt River, and in Pitt Meadows agricultural areas.
Identification
30-50m (100-165ft), one of the tallest hardwoods in North America
Up to 2m diameter with deeply furrowed grey bark on mature trees
Heart-shaped to triangular (5-15cm), dark green above, silvery underneath, with fine-toothed edges
Produces cotton-like seeds in late spring that cover the ground like snow
Key Identifying Features
- Distinctive cotton-like seed dispersal in spring
- Resinous, fragrant sticky buds
- Leaves flutter and shimmer in the breeze
- Fast-growing - can add 2m per year
- Deeply furrowed bark on older trees
Identification Photos
Click any photo to enlarge. Photos help with identification but may vary by age, season, and location.
Tree Care
Watering
Extremely water-demanding. Naturally grows along rivers and in floodplains.
Pruning
Not typically pruned as it responds with excessive water sprouts. Remove hazardous limbs only.
Best time: Winter when fully dormant to minimize sprouting response
Common Issues
- Extremely aggressive root system
- Messy cotton production in spring
- Brittle wood prone to storm damage
- Poplar borer beetle
- Cytospora canker
Maintenance Notes
High maintenance due to constant debris, aggressive roots, and storm damage cleanup. Generally not recommended for residential planting.
Root System
Extremely aggressive, invasive root system
Roots can extend 3-4x the tree height, seeking water sources
Potential Concerns
- Notorious for infiltrating and breaking sewer lines
- Will crack foundations, pools, and patios
- Surface roots make landscaping impossible
- Can regrow from root fragments left after removal
- One of the most destructive root systems of any tree
Hazard Assessment
Common Failure Modes
- Frequent large branch failures (brittle wood)
- Top breakage in storms
- Whole-tree failure from root rot
- Summer branch drop during heat
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Cavities or hollows in trunk
- Dead branches in crown
- Leaning trunk
- Weeping wounds on trunk
- Fungal fruiting bodies
Removal Considerations
Key Considerations
- Very tall trees requiring specialized equipment
- Brittle wood makes climbing hazardous
- Aggressive roots often extend far from tree
- Stumps will vigorously resprout if not treated
- Often located in riparian areas with permit requirements
Permit Notes
Often protected near waterways. May require environmental assessment due to habitat value.
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