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.
Best time to see a Black Cottonwood
The best time to see a Black Cottonwood is April–August, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,759 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black Cottonwood? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Black Cottonwood is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.