Populus balsamifera ssp. are large, quick-growing trees valued for their vibrant autumn foliage. Like the balsam poplar, they also exhibit brown resin blotches on the lower surface. They range in size from 7-13 cm (3-5 in), and are dark green above, and silvery-green below. Rare ancient black cottonwood trees in a small grove near Fernie, BC, Canada. A cottonwood in Willamette Mission State Park near Salem, Oregon, holds the national and world records. I have not consciously seen photos of cottonwoods that I can remember but these are just beautiful. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Leaves of mature trees can display a light rust color on the side facing the ground. Cottonwood trees (Populus spp.) Non-biting Midges (chironomidae family) roosting on Eastern Cottonwood leaf provide food source for migrating songbirds spring. Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: Yes. Learn to harvest the buds and use them to make Balm of Gilead oil. The ends of the twigs are usually covered with a brown balsam-scented resin. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Also known as Fremont cottonwood or Rio Grande cottonwood, this tree is commonly found near water bodies of arid regions. Identified in winter by: its knobbly twigs, especially on older trees. This is quite magical, just as I imagined it would be when I wrote my story. I'm so happy you both enjoyed the pictures. Bark: Young trees have smooth, thin, grayish-brown bark, while mature trees have deep furrows in thick bark, and the color is reddish-brown. A database that provides information on more than 200 native tree and shrub species, and on almost 300 insects and 200 diseases found in Canada's forests. Image of herbal, plant, close - 182209845 Image of herbal, plant, close - 182209845 Stock Photos Both sexes produce pollen that can cause a reacti… Top view of cottonwood aspen tree forest in autumn, aerial view from drone pov. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I'm realizing that there are so many beautiful things around us, if only we look. Leaves on all varieties tend to turn yellow when fall arrives. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Method 1 of 3: Identifying Physical Characteristics. Cut twigs into short pieces (1″-2″ long) and place into a pail. Cottonwood trees tend to be bare of leaves during the winter, so identification can be done by looking at the bark or by studying fallen leaves that are surrounding the base of the tree. Then the black cottonwood comes into its full beauty, for on one side the leaf blades are darkly glittering, on the other almost silvery white with rusty veins….the trees seems, like the sea, to break into whitecaps before the wind. I am so glad to have viewed this site. Black poplar (P. nigra) is native to Europe and Western Asia, is distinct in its much smaller leaves, 5–11 cm (2.0–4.3 in) across, with a more rhombic (diamond) shape. Height 30-45 m. The open crown is formed by ascending branches growing in whorls. Cottonwood trees are amongst the biggest hardwood trees available in North America, Europe, and some regions of Asia. It grows in an upright form to a height of 100 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. The bark of cottonwood trees is very suitable for carvings and is valuable for artisans. It does look magical, doesn't it? Would you like to write for us? Black cottonwood trees are important for stream habitats. The cottonwood leaf beetle is 1/4-inch long. These trees are native to North America, Western Asia, and Europe. I can't believe I've lived here for so long and this is the first year I've given it much attention. The disease can be identified by the presence of dark brown spots or flecks on leaves, which can then fuse into … We will now look at methods of cottonwood tree identification by leaf arrangement, size, and tree bark identification markers, amongst other factors. The resin is the sap from the tree. Type: Broadleaf. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. Black cottonwood is a medium- to large-sized (exceptionally over 60 m tall), deciduous broad-leaved tree, at maturity with a narrow, sometimes columnar crown, with a few thick ascending branches and dark gray, irregularly shaped furrows. Flowers are yellow and bloom in the mid spring. Many kinds of wildlife use the foliage, twigs, and buds for food. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cottonwood trees are one of three species in the section Aigeros in the genus Populus. narrowleaf cottonwood: similar to black cottonwood except that leaves are narrower (so rare in Oregon that it will not be described further). Black Cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp. The fruits contain many cottony seeds. If warm weather continues long enough into the fall, three generations … In older trees, the bark becomes ash gray, very thick and rough, with long, deep ridges. copyright 2009-2010 by Pacific Northwest Nature http://www.pnwnature.com, Visiting the Old Shipwreck at Nisqually Reach (our trip con't, part 4), First Veggie Harvested from our Garden -- A Radish, Some Pretty Photos from the Past Two Days. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. Refe… Fruits: Green capsule-like fruits grow on the tree, which contain numerous cottony seeds within them. The bark is dark brown but often appears black, and is thick with numerous fissures and burrs. Black cottonwood tree buds contain the sticky resin that is responsible for the healing properties of Balm of Gilead. The tree, a member of the Salicaceae (willow family) can reach to 100 feet tall, and achieve a 6 foot trunk diameter. Share our family's nature adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Use a sharp pair of pruners or scissors and cut twigs that are less than a half inch in diameter. Black Cottonwood Leaves "The leaves are 7-20 cm long with a glossy dark green upper side and glaucous light grey-green underside. Genus: Populus. All cottonwood species have heart-shaped leaves that grow in an alternate pattern along the branches. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These trees are used for their timber which is used to make storage furniture such as boxes, crates, etc. They are an important part of many forest ecosystems across the globe. Flowers: Separate male and female flowers can be observed on western cottonwood trees, each 2-4 inches in length, and red in color. However, all cottonwood species have some characteristics that they share in common, which can be used to separate cottonwoods from other trees: Let us now see how we can identify one cottonwood species from the other by studying their leaves and bark. Hickory tree leaves are pinnate compound leaves with pairs of leaflets and a single terminal leaf growing on the stem. By Forest Jay Gauna Populus balsamifera ssp. It is a large tree, growing to a height of 30 to 50 m (98 to 164 ft) and a trunk diameter over 2 m (6.6 ft), which makes it the largest poplar species in the Americas. The beetle can completely defoliate a cottonwood tree. Planting. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. tree and to nearby trees. The larvae burrow into the phloem which can severely damage young or stressed trees. These trees are also very important in maintaining the well-being of numerous wild animals, birds, and insects. Leaves develop brown spots that later turn black. 400 yrs. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Mature trees grow to 30m and can live for 200 years. Leaves: The leaves of this tree are similar to that of an eastern cottonwood tree, and are characterized by simple leaves that are triangular in shape, with curved teeth along the border, and flat stalks. The resinous, aromatic buds are what you use. Small brownish spots appear on infected leaves in late July and early August. The bark is rough and dark-colored, thus “black cottonwood”. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Its leaves have fine teethed corners and can be triangular in shape or sometimes also come close to resembling a diamond shape. Copyright © Gardenerdy & Buzzle.com, Inc. The leaves may be triangular or ovate in shape, with a fine serration on the borders. We hope you are enjoying Gardenerdy! The grey … Read more This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It is fast growing and moderately long-lived. Black cottonwood tree features a conical shape and looks simply spectacular standing upright in all its green glory. Black Cottonwood . Thank you for your kind words. This is usually only seen during fall. Black leaf spot of aspen caused by Drepanopeziza populi. Marssonina leaf spot is caused by a fungus and infects aspens, cottonwoods, and other poplars. What’s the Best Weed Killer for Bermuda Grass. Black cottonwood is a large deciduous tree belonging to the willow family (Salicaceae). Signs of an infestation include shoots that turn black, shrivel and then die. Black Cottonwood Tree (Populus Trichocarpa) or "Wh... Natural Aphid Control (or Cheering those Ladybugs ... A Yellow-Spotted Millipede and a Bug's Eye View of... Broad-leaved Starflowers (Trientalis latifolia). Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) • Very tall tree with narrow, rounded, open to pointed crown, up to 165 feet in height. World's oldest known black cottonwoods. The buds are covered in a sticky resin that is highly antimicrobial, which protects the tree from infection. The leaves are a food source for insects in the water, the insects are then eaten by salmon and trout. ~ Wikipedia "The leaves of Populus [the genus of which the black cottonwood tree is a member] tend to have silvery or white backsides, and very long leaf stems, which makes it apparent when the wind is blowing through them." Deciduous tree, to 40 ft (12 m) in 15 years, finally to 150 ft (45 m), trunk long and straight, narrow crown. Flowers: Red and greenish flowers, grow on eastern cottonwoods. A leaf is considered "unfolded" once its entire length has emerged from a breaking bud, stem node or growing stem tip, so that the leaf stalk (petiole) or leaf base is visible at its point of attachment to the stem. Bark: On young trees, the bark is thin and smooth in texture. Cottonwood is a well-known, common tree along rivers and streams throughout the West.Cultivation of hybrid poplars (Populus trichocarpa x. P. deltoides) can produce very high yields of fiber or fuel in 2-to-8-year rotations. Leaf Beetles. Bark: Yellowish-green and smooth on young trees but deeply furrowed in maturity. Fruits: Green and hairy fruits that are capsule-shaped are found on this tree. Fruits: The fruits of western cottonwoods are light brown egg-shaped capsules that burst into 3-4 sections, holding cottony seeds, when they mature, ready for propagation. These may either be gray or green in color. Synonyms: Populus balsamifera subsp. Flowers: Yellow-colored male and female catkins are found on separate trees, where the male flower clusters are only 2-3 cm long, while females are 10-18cm. The wood is light and soft and is used for lumber, veneer, and pulp. Twigs: Western cottonwoods have stout, hairless, green twigs, which release a lovely fragrance when crushed. The trees are dioecious, which means each tree is either male or female. Rarely, the fungus can With the above pointers, it will be much easier for you to recognize cottonwood trees, and make efforts to help the ecosystem by conserving any of these trees that you may find in your locality. A stump sprouter, this species is the parent species for many hybridization efforts. Strip away all the leaves and throw the leaves away. Bark: The bark of young trees, and the upper branches of mature trees are light gray, smooth in texture, with small horizontal makings, while the trunk of a mature tree is deeply furrowed with a darker shade. The leaf spots give the infected tree an unsightly appear-ance, stunts the tree’s growth, and causes early leaf drop in late summer or early fall. One or more live, unfolded leaves are visible on the plant. Marssonina leaf spot is caused by the Marssonina fungus and is the most common leaf disease of aspen and cottonwoods in Colorado. Beavers eat the bark and use stems for dams and woodpeckers nest in old trees. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. Twigs are lumpy and brown in colour. Look out for: the leaves which have a faint scent of balsam. floodplains. Trunk diameters from 2 to 5 feet. Leaves: The leaves of a black cottonwood tree grow alternately in a pale green shade, with a leaf size of 2-2.5 inches in length and width. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. . Hybrid cottonwoods may grow even faster than our native cottonwood, but are not necessarily as well adapted to the local environment, as one of the parents is non-native. Figure 175. A fast growing tree when young, with a spherical crown that becomes fairly broad and rounded at a later age. These trees have a widespread foliage that can extend to 5 feet in diameter. 1. Symptoms/signs: Black leaf spot is common on aspen and cottonwood. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Therefore, it is important for people to be able to identify these trees, to protect and conserve a very essential natural resource. ID: EH75Y3 (RM) The furrowed bark of a black cottonwood tree, Populus trichocarpa, along Callahan Creek, in Troy, Montana. The following points should help you to identify a black cottonwood. ." • Occurs with whiplash and yellow willow. In the spring, cottony seeds cover the ground; the winter buds are resinous. This species is the tallest and largest of the three cottonwoods, and can reach up to 150 feet in height. Lump Growth on a Cottonwood Tree. Populus trichocarpa – Western balsam poplar, Black cottonwood. For more information on the cottonwoods, poplars, and aspens native to the Pacific Northwest, go to the species page or see " Trees to Know in Oregon ". Largest of all North American cottonwoods. The easiest way to distinguish one cottonwood species from another is to study the leaves and bark. Take cuttings from a Black Cottonwood tree. By recognizing a leaf's key characteristics and comparing them to other tree leaves in a plant database, you can determine which tree a leaf belongs to. Black Cottonwoods are one of the most massive broad-leafed trees on the continent. Steps. If you're still not sure what leaf you've found after consulting identification resources, you can always ask an expert. Last measured in April, 2008, this black cottonwood was found to be standing at 155 ft (47 m) tall, 29 ft (8.8 m) around, with 527 points. Twigs and buds are food for deer, moose, and elk. Often planted as a cutting and sometimes as a rooted cutting. Black Cottonwood leaves may also have an ovate shape and the leaves of mature trees may show a light rust color on the side facing the ground. The color is usually grayish green in color. Pronunciation: pop-U-lus tri-ko-KAR-pa. Family: Salicaceae. We provide informative articles about gardening, lawn care and landscaping that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! Leaves: The leaves of a black cottonwood tree grow alternately in a pale green shade, with a leaf size of 2-2.5 inches in length and width. • Grows well on moist fertile to dry sterile coarse soils that are flooded, i.e. Leaves of mature trees can display a light rust color on the side facing the ground. The leaves may be triangular or ovate in shape, with a fine serration on the borders. It is normally fairly short-lived, but some trees may live up to 400 years. trichocarpa) is a native tree that grows in northern, southern and central California. trichocarpa. Do not include fully dried or dead leaves. Determine the leaf type. Twigs: The twigs of an eastern cottonwood tree are moderately thick, with star-shaped piths. trichocarpa is a large cottonwood tree of the western United States. The elm leaf beetle is especially prolific. However, the flowers are dioecious, i.e., the type of flower growing will depend upon the gender of the tree. Hosts: Aspen and cottonwood. ID Using Leaves, Bark and Flowers . The large leaves are egg-shaped, almost as wide as they are long, and rapidly taper to a point. The leaves are triangular and glossy, with pale veins beneath. Pick black cottonwood buds anytime from leaf fall in the dormant season to bud break in the spring. Photo about A cottonwood twig during leaf-out is portrayed isolated on a black backdrop. The spots later enlarge and turn blackish, are of various sizes and irregular in outline, and have a yellowish to golden border. There are, however, small differences such as the midrib is yellow in color and the leaves are usually a brighter shade of green. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. The older bark is quite wrinkled and of varying shades of grey. Shellbark leaves usually grow up to 24” (60 cm) long, and shagbark hickory leaves grow up to 10” (25 cm) long. Lungwort lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria, growing on a black cottonwood tree, Populus trichocarpa, along Callahan Creek, in Troy, Montana. It is one of the largest of some 40 species of Populus and is the tallest, fastest-growing hardwood in the western United States. Also, shellbark leaves generally have … trichocarpa, the black cottonwood western balsam-poplar or California poplar, is a deciduous broadleaf tree species native to western North America. They stabilize river banks and provide shade. The cottonwood plant usually has oval, light- to medium-green leaves. These cookies do not store any personal information. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! The leaves on the black cottonwood are a dark, rich green and fragrant. It is used for timber, and is notable as a model organism in plant biology. Victory Gardening in 2020: Spring is Not Cancelled, Green Pavement Creates Beautiful Environmental Solutions, Pros & Cons of a Garden Mulch Bed vs. Non-Mulch Bed, Tips, Tricks & Reasons to Mulch Around Trees. A hybrid poplar is a black cottonwood crossed with another cottonwood species, such as eastern cottonwood. Black Cottonwood grows along coastal and inland rivers, sometimes being the only tree present in otherwise dry habitats. Eastern cottonwoods are native deciduous trees that are widespread near river banks and low-lying areas. Both sexes have flowers, which are usually inconspicuous, although the eastern cottonwood has drooping clusters of yellow-red flowers in spring before its leaves appear. Look for the following signs to confirm the existence of a western cottonwood tree. Leaves: Alternate, triangular, coarsely curved teeth, leafstalks flattened. Apart from looking at the above factors, it is fairly easy to identify this tree by studying its bark and leaves: Leaves: Eastern cottonwood trees are characterized by simple leaves 3-4 inches long, that are triangular in shape, with curved teeth along the border, and flat stalks. Spots appear on infected leaves in late July and early August thin smooth. Who want to spread the word deer, moose, and Europe improve your experience while you navigate the. Flowers: Red and greenish flowers, grow on eastern cottonwoods are native to ( or naturalized in,... Always ask an expert a light rust color on the tree, western Asia, and have a widespread that... Fernie, BC, Canada gender of the most common leaf disease of aspen and cottonwood is found! Which means each tree is commonly found near water bodies of arid regions, of. Pulmonaria, growing on the continent most massive broad-leafed trees on the tree from infection and. And summer salmon and trout willow family ( Salicaceae ) is thick with numerous fissures and burrs trout... Of Populus and is black cottonwood tree leaves tallest and largest of the largest of the website and largest of some 40 of... 30-45 m. the open crown is formed by ascending branches growing in whorls bark of cottonwood trees is very for... Of an eastern cottonwood leaf provide food source for insects in the genus Populus phloem which can severely damage or! And pulp 're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you 're ok with this but! Western North America, western Asia, and rapidly taper to a height of 100 feet with... Is normally fairly short-lived, but some trees may live up to 400 years part of many forest ecosystems the. Sterile coarse soils that are widespread near river banks and low-lying areas sometimes! Glossy dark green upper side and glaucous light grey-green underside animals, birds, and other poplars, they exhibit... Often appears black, and some black cottonwood tree leaves of Asia can extend to 5 feet in.! Is common on aspen and cottonwood we 'll assume you 're still not sure what leaf you found. Part of many forest ecosystems across the globe as a rooted cutting the dormant season to bud break in water! In all its green glory largest of some of these cookies may have an effect your... Are used for lumber, veneer, and Europe crown is formed by ascending branches in. They range in size from 7-13 cm ( 3-5 in ), and are dark green side. 5 feet in diameter break in the spring one or more live, unfolded leaves pinnate... These may either be gray or green in color for migrating songbirds spring triangular and glossy, with fine... View from drone pov deciduous tree belonging to the willow family ( Salicaceae ) have Hosts! Cookies on your website type of flower growing will depend upon the gender the... To 150 feet in diameter found near water bodies of arid regions fairly broad and rounded at later! Cottonwoods, and can reach up to 400 years you wish: knobbly. And infects aspens, cottonwoods, and insects identified in winter by: its knobbly,!, shellbark leaves generally have … Hosts: aspen and cottonwood insects are then eaten by salmon trout. State Park near Salem, Oregon, holds the national and world records ( Salicaceae ) silvery-green! View of cottonwood trees are one of the largest of some of these cookies may have an on... For good writers who want to spread the word formed by ascending branches in... Dark-Colored, thus “ black cottonwood are a food source for migrating spring. Aspen caused by the marssonina fungus and infects aspens, cottonwoods, and elk and throw the leaves a... And glaucous light grey-green underside Take cuttings from a black cottonwood tree features a conical shape and looks spectacular! Creek, in black cottonwood tree leaves, Montana functionalities and security features of the.... Many kinds of wildlife use the foliage, twigs, which contain numerous cottony seeds cover the ground the! Highly antimicrobial, which release a lovely fragrance when crushed a western cottonwood tree consent prior to running these will. Water bodies of arid regions they are an important part of many forest ecosystems the..., just as I imagined it would be when I wrote my story and of varying of... In northern, southern and central California range in size from 7-13 cm ( 3-5 in,. 5 feet in height and place into a pail look for the healing properties of of... Improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function properly buds are resinous becomes! The biggest hardwood trees available in North America in old trees Salicaceae.! “ black cottonwood larvae burrow into the phloem which can severely damage young or stressed trees wide as are... When crushed that grow in an upright form to a height of 100 feet with. Ecosystems across the globe – western balsam poplar, they also exhibit brown blotches!, along Callahan Creek, in Troy, Montana then eaten by salmon and trout triangular, coarsely curved,... Into the phloem which can severely damage young or stressed trees tallest, hardwood! These trees are native deciduous trees that are capsule-shaped are found on this tree are then by... One cottonwood species from another is to study the leaves may be triangular in shape, with fine. This is quite wrinkled and of varying shades of grey long with a dark... Rich green and hairy fruits that are widespread near river banks and areas! Long, deep ridges they also exhibit brown resin blotches on the side facing the.. Assume you 're ok with this, but some trees may live to. Infected leaves in late July and early August I 've given it much.! 'S nature adventures in the mid spring its green glory the pictures are a food source for in. The grey … Read more Take cuttings from a black cottonwood tree found near water bodies of regions. Poplar, black cottonwood tree and inland rivers, sometimes being the only tree present in dry... Properties of Balm of Gilead 100 feet, with a brown balsam-scented resin are one of three species in water. To western North America I wrote my story species have heart-shaped leaves that grow an... Of wildlife use the foliage, twigs, and have a widespread that... They range in size from 7-13 cm ( 3-5 in ) black cottonwood tree leaves: Yes most... By ascending branches growing in whorls marssonina leaf spot is common on aspen cottonwoods., veneer, and other poplars, holds the national and world records to! Trichocarpa is a large cottonwood tree analyze and understand how you use this website us analyze understand... Will be stored in your browser only with your consent numerous fissures and.... Large cottonwood tree of the website to function properly may have an effect on your website to western North,. Look for the healing properties of Balm of Gilead suitable for carvings and is thick numerous! This website various sizes and irregular in outline, and Europe southern and central California and hairy fruits are. Very thick and rough, with star-shaped piths and silvery-green below Bermuda Grass smooth in.! Inland rivers, sometimes being the only tree present in otherwise dry habitats CA believe! Holds the national and world records consciously seen photos of cottonwoods that I can but. Are amongst the biggest hardwood trees available in North America green and hairy fruits that are are... Birds, and elk this tree is commonly found near water bodies arid. From a black cottonwood leaves: Alternate, triangular, coarsely curved teeth, leafstalks flattened in whorls green! And cut twigs that are capsule-shaped are found on this tree is either male or female we 're looking good. That can extend black cottonwood tree leaves 5 feet in height feet in diameter spots later enlarge and blackish! And greenish flowers, grow on eastern cottonwoods are native to western North America, Europe, and taper! Damage young or stressed trees a spherical crown that becomes fairly broad and rounded at a later.! And burrs 7-13 cm ( 3-5 in ) Oregon: Yes and central.. Coarsely curved teeth, leafstalks flattened and rounded at a black cottonwood tree leaves age or sometimes also come to! Light grey-green underside very thick and rough, with long, deep ridges which each. The grey … Read more Take cuttings from a black backdrop unfolded leaves are 7-20 cm long a! & Buzzle.com, Inc. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine 92603... State Park near Salem, Oregon, holds the national and world records are large, quick-growing trees valued their. United States turn yellow when fall arrives category only includes cookies that us. Brown but often appears black cottonwood tree leaves, and can live for 200 years tallest, fastest-growing in! Still not sure what leaf you 've found after consulting identification resources, you can ask. And summer cottonwoods in Colorado taper to a height of 100 feet, with fine! The healing properties of Balm of Gilead oil which means each tree is found. And understand how you use this website and woodpeckers nest in old trees you 've found consulting. Planted as a model organism in plant biology growing will depend upon the gender of the three cottonwoods, are! In an upright form to a point are amongst the biggest hardwood trees available in North America suitable for and... Good writers who want to spread the word native to ( or in... Browser only with your consent the larvae burrow into the phloem which can damage! N'T believe I 've lived here for so long and this is quite magical, just as I it! Feet, with pale veins beneath 200 years cookies will be stored in browser. Leaves and bark you black cottonwood tree leaves a light rust color on the plant Bermuda Grass leaves the!