Black Cottonwood is the largest native poplar in North America, reaching 200 feet along Pacific Coast rivers and stream corridors. Its aromatic buds produce a fragrant balsam scent in spring. It is a dominant riparian tree supporting bald eagles, osprey, and many cavity-nesting ducks. Beavers rely on it for food and dam construction material.
Habitat
Floodplains and stream corridors of the Pacific Northwest and Rockies
Diet
Bark and branches consumed by beavers; nesting trees for bald eagles and osprey
How common
Common
Recent Black Cottonwood sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Black Cottonwood? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free