Tristis Poplar vs Black Cottonwood - TreeTime.ca

Tristis Poplar vs Black Cottonwood

Populus trichocarpa

Populus x Tristis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Cottonwood
Tristis Poplar

Black Cottonwood is the largest and tallest of the North American poplars. Named after its white, fluffy seeds with cottony hairs, this hardy tree produces sticky, fragrant buds and has a straight growth habit. Black Cottonwood needs ample moisture and nutrients to grow successfully to full height and are found in the Western provinces and the Yukon with BC being its heartland.

Tristis Poplar is a large deciduous tree. It is cold hardy, disease resistant, and relatively drought tolerant. Tristis Poplar loses its leaves later in the year than other Poplars, making it a great ornamental tree in fall.

It's known for its strongly scented balsamic buds and yellow foliage in autumn. Because of its size, Tristis Poplar is most suitable for large properties and will help prevent wind erosion.

Tristis Poplar is slower-growing than many newer hybrids, for a longer useful lifespan. Tristis grows especially well in the southern prairies due to its resistance to cold dry winds.

Black Cottonwood Quick Facts

Tristis Poplar Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Hybrid: no
Hybrid: yes
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: balsam cottonwood, california poplar, western balsam poplar