[Aspens, Cottonwoods and Poplars of Denali National Park and Preserve]

Black Cottonwood

Populus trichocarpa

Synonyms: Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa, Populus trichocarpa var. ingrata

Close-up of the upper and lower leaf surfaces of Black Cottonwood: Populus trichocarpa (Synonyms: Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa, Populus trichocarpa var. ingrata)

Close-ups of the upper and lower leaf surfaces of black cottonwood. Note the glaucous cast to the lower leaves which help identify this from the similar balsam poplar.

Black Cottonwood: Populus trichocarpa (Synonyms: Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa, Populus trichocarpa var. ingrata)

A young black cottonwood in a clearing.
Paul Slichter