© Greg Rabourn
Black cottonwood leaves (enlarge)

Populus balsamifera

Deciduous Tree

Height: 160 ft.

Availability: Medium

Growing ease: High

Moisture req.: moist - wet

Exposure req.: sun - part shade

Plant description:

Super fast growing. A great tree for creating a quick forest. Keep away from structures as it is known to break. Dumps loads of cotton (actually seeds) into the air in late spring. A fantastic wildlife tree that provide nesting for birds and leaves for butterfly larvae. Also a popular snack for beaver, deer and elk.

Keywords: birds, butterflies, fast, fire-resistant , upright, white, yellow