Northwest Poplar vs Black Cottonwood - TreeTime.ca

Northwest Poplar vs Black Cottonwood

Populus trichocarpa

Populus x jackii Northwest

Black Cottonwood
Northwest 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.

Northwest Poplar is a large and fast-growing tree. Due to its wide spread, this tree makes a great shade or shelterbelt tree. Northwest Poplar tolerates partial shade, drought, and most types of soil. This poplar produces no fuzz.

Northwest Poplar continues to be popular as a shelterbelt species due to the great cost savings that come from the wide spread of the branches. It is a staff favorite because of the wonderful shade it provides all summer long.

Black Cottonwood Quick Facts

Northwest Poplar Quick Facts

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Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


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


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, YT
Other Names: balsam cottonwood, california poplar, western balsam poplar
Other Names: balm of gilead, jacks aspen, jacks hybrid poplar