Populus trichocarpa

Populus trichocarpa, commonly known as black cottonwood, is a deciduous tree native to the western United States and Canada. It thrives in moist environments such as riverbanks and wetlands, growing up to 40 meters tall. Known for its light requirement of full sun and adaptability to various soil types—ranging from sandy to clay—it can be found across regions including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and parts of Mexico Northwest. This tree is notable not only for its ornamental value but also for its edible qualities, as both the flowers and inner bark are consumable. Its distinctive feature includes the presence of long, soft hairs on the underside of young leaves, giving it a silvery appearance.