Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa)

Attractive deciduous trees have heart shaped leaves with silvery undersides that shimmer in the breeze and turn a bright golden color in the fall. Makes a great shade tree and does well in naturally moist spots, along river valley bottoms, or creeks. Fast growing to 50 to 100 feet tall with deeply furrowed gray bark and striking heavy limbs, they are best planted away from buildings as they occasionally can shed a branch. Cottonwood buds are very fragrant in the spring and contain propolis which is a strong immune stimulant, effective when used in tinctures and also good for healing wounds and cuts when mixed in salve. Also used by bees for sealing holes in the hive. Zones 4-9.