Tower Poplar vs Black Cottonwood - TreeTime.ca

Tower Poplar vs Black Cottonwood

Populus trichocarpa

Populus x canescens Tower

Black Cottonwood
Tower 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.

Tower Poplar is a fast growing, tall columnar tree that closely resembles the Swedish aspen. It produces no fluff, requires minimal maintenance and no pruning. It can tolerate drought and thrives in poor soils. Tower Poplar is most commonly planted in shelterbelts or to line driveways and property lines as a privacy hedge.

Black Cottonwood Quick Facts

Tower Poplar Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 33%
Lowest Price: $2.29 - SAVE UP TO 71%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
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: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, YT
Other Names: balsam cottonwood, california poplar, western balsam poplar