Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology 15:175-181. There, it quickly sprouts from tiny seeds, cut stumps, roots, and even branch cuttings. Black cottonwood is a large deciduous tree belonging to the willow family (Salicaceae). Surface roughness and torn grain result from planing and shaping; bore holes in cottonwood show considerable roughness and variation in size. & Gray. Honkala, coords. They have lustrous, bright green foliage in summer that changes to brilliant yellow in fall. Regeneration from Seed Black cottonwood generally produces abundant crops of seed every year. The Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) grows prolifically along the waterways of the rainy Pacific Northwest. The wood is moderately susceptible to sap stains and very susceptible to molds. After releasing their pollen, male stamens are shed. Aside from their great girth, stature and beauty, black cottonwoods are generous seeders and sprouters. When the wood is wet, it has a characteristic disagreeable odor. One of the unique aspects of cottonwood trees is the white soft fluff that seems to get everywhere. Despite these apparent shortcomings, cottonwoods show some potential as framing materials because their strength properties are comparable to those of currently used softwood species of similar densities. Cottonwoods mature as early as 60 years and live at least 200 years. About Swamp Cottonwood Trees. Trichocarpa means with hairy fruits, referring to its fluffy seeds. Genetic variation and productivity of Populus trichocarpa and its hybrids. Adhesives Cottonwood bonds easily with adhesives of a wide range of properties and under a wide range of gluing conditions. Fungal diseases are a significant threat. Tool wear and dulling is low because of the wood’s low density. Repeated coppicing is quite successful. R.M. The sapwood is almost white, and merges into the light grey or greyish-brown heartwood, which may contain dark streaks. Once your seeds germinate, move each seed into its own container under the growing lights and on the heat mat. Seed Black cottonwood seeds are minute, and are tufted with cottony hairs. McLENNAN, D.S. It typically maintains a dominant position in the canopy via superior growth rates. Likes moist soil and full sun. maximum). Its resistance to cupping and checking associated with outdoor exposure and weathering is very poor. Long cuttings of up to 10 ft have been used successfully in some cases; problems with inadequate rooting and poor stem form are common with long cuttings, however. Leaves: The leaves of a black cottonwood tree grow alternately in a pale green shade, with a leaf size of 2-2.5 inches in length and width. Decay fungi are common; two species are noted for significant damage in British Columbia, Spongipellis delectans and Pholiota destruens. Commonly found along rivers and streams. It is a large tree, growing to a height of 3050 m and a trunk diameter of over 2 m, which makes it the largest poplar species in the Americas. Place the seed container on a heat mat under growing light(s). Fastest growing northwest native large tree. Soil Type: Grows best in deep alluvial soils. The following points should help you to identify a black cottonwood. Average service life of untreated cottonwood posts in ground contact is 4 to 5 years. This is often accomplished with repeated mechanical cultivation and applications of herbicide. Pulpwood can be grown in 10 to 15 years and sawlogs in 20 to 25 years. A mixture of red alder and black cottonwood can improve the growth of cottonwood via nitrogen fixed by the red alder. In its range, annual precipitation can vary from 10 to 120 in., with about one-third falling during the growing season. If you ever go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, take a good look of your surroundings and you will see several black poplars gracing the place. Management should target a spacing regime that produces optimal growth, while maintaining benefits of crowding in young cottonwood stands. Balsamifera means balsam (aromatic resin)-bearing. Stand Management Diameter growth of black cottonwood is very responsive to increased growing space. Call us at 1 315 4971058. Mixed-species Stands Black cottonwood must maintain a dominant crown position to survive and grow. Durability Black cottonwood is a nondurable species that will degrade rapidly if exposed to conditions favorable to decay organisms. But this is a job you don’t want to DIY. Cottonwood tree seeds can make quite the mess, so it’s understandable to want them gone. HEILMAN. III. Viability is usually high, although it is often short-lived. Look for the male 'Siouxland' variety, which grows 2 feet to 3 feet per year, and you’ll have a cottonwood tree minus the cotton. Fungal decay is common in wood after weather damage to tops, producing good conditions for cavity-nesting birds. 1992. SACHSSE, H. 1975. Herbaceous associates include western swordfern, ladyfern, horsetail, stinging nettle, hedge nettle, false Solomon's-seal, Canada violet buttercup, bittercress, angelica, enchanter’s-nightshade, golden-saxifrage, and bedstraw. Climate Throughout its wide range, black cottonwood grows in climates that vary from humid to arid. The female flowers mature into 4-inch long branches of light green capsules that split open in late spring and early summer and fill the air with white cotton-like plumes bearing seeds. Populus balsamifera ssp. Ecological Role Black cottonwood is a pioneer species specifically adapted to colonizing and dominating areas disturbed by floodwaters. Tree Physiology 11:325-339. Black Cottonwood can grow up to 45 ft. in the first 7 years and up to 200 ft. tall maximum at mature height. Populus trichocarpa and over 1000 other quality seeds for sale. causes significant problems with clones from dry areas that are planted in western Washington. (108 in. The growth rings are inconspicuous, and are differentiated by a thin grouping of pores, which gradually increase in density at the end of the growth increment. A cottonwood in Willamette Mission State Park near Salem, Oregon, holds the national and world records. It is generally perpetuated in such environments by recurring floods. Oxidative stains are sometimes present in cottonwood. Stratification Requirement: None required. Logs must be manufactured and delivered very soon after trees are felled. Gray ex Hook.) Regeneration from Vegetative Sprouts Black cottonwood sprouts readily from stumps or from buried fragments of branches. Terminal buds 17-20 mm long with 6-7 visible scales, lateral buds parallel to twig. Suitability and Productivity of Sites There are no guides for estimating site productivity for black cottonwood in Oregon and Washington. It also colonizes disturbed upland sites with adequate moisture. Without disturbance, cottonwood is replaced by other species on upland sites. Effect of partial defoliation on growth and carbon exchange of two clones of young Populus trichocarpa Torr. Read on for more cottonwood tree facts. Leaves of Black Cottonwood. The black cottonwood is a fast-growing, large broadleaf tree that can grow up to 200 feet tall and more than 8 feet in diameter. long and 0.4 to 1.2 in. Burns and B.H. Cottonwood is a well-known, common tree along rivers and streams throughout the West. 1992. It is a well-known tree found along rivers and streams throughout the West. Geographic Range Black cottonwood grows from Kodiak Island in Alaska (lat 62°N) to northern Baja California (lat 31°N), and eastward to the Rocky Mountains in Idaho, Montana, and Canada. Outdoor Planting: If your seeds do not require stratification: the best time to plant tree and shrub seeds outdoors is after the last frost in your area (spring). Sometime around May these fruits erupt, creating a “cottonwood snow storm.” The seeds are covered in a white fluff that helps them to travel on the wind for many miles. Successful plantings are established from unrooted cuttings of 1- to 2-year-old-wood that are 12 to 24 in. Influence of nitrogen on growth and productivity of short-rotation Populus trichocarpa X Populus deltoides hybrids. 1990. Product Availability Winter, Spring. HINCKLEY, and R.F. Vessels are moderately few to very numerous; pores are numerous, small, and barely visible to the naked eye. USDA Forest Service, Washington D.C. Agriculture Handbook 654. HEILMAN, P.E., R.F. Seeds under natural conditions are short-lived, usually for less than a month. Not ideal for homes. Last measured in April, 2008, this black cottonwood was found to be standing at 155 ft (47 m) tall, 29 ft (8.8 m) around, with 527 points. Brayshaw) By Forest Jay Gauna. The high MC, however, does not cause an unnecessarily elongated schedule. This is how the tree got its common name of cottonwood. Strew the tiny seeds on the surface of the seedbed at the rate of about 300 seeds per 1 square foot, and water the site so they work their way into the soil. The Black Cottonwood, Populus balsamifera, grows mostly west of the Rocky Mountains and is the largest Western cottonwood. Cottonwoods commonly occur in mixed stands as scattered, emergent trees, with crowns far above associated species. Mechanical Properties Black cottonwood is a weak wood that is rarely used in applications where high strength is required. Young trees are susceptible to mortality or damage from early or late frosts. It is the tallest broadleaf tree in western North America. It is easy to recognize in the summer when the female cottonwood tree dispenses seeds attached to white fiber type fluffs that resembles cotton. Black Cottonwood (Populus balsamifera L. ssp. Sun, prefers moist situations, but tolerates poor and dry soils. Named after its white, fluffy seeds with cottony hairs, this hardy tree produces sticky, fragrant buds and has a straight growth habit. STOVER, C.H. Complete site preparation and continued control of competing vegetation is essential for good performance in plantations. One way to do that is by spraying the tree with a growth regulator that contains ethephon. Deciduous male catkins are 0.8 to 1.2 in. How to Use Cottonwood. Although it is tolerant of winter flooding, it requires adequate drainage during the growing season. Plant cottonwoods only if your house has a large expanse of outdoor land for maximum effect. Black Cottonwood is the largest and tallest of the North American poplars. The black cottonwood is indigenous to our area and is the fastest growing native tree in North America. Pacific Northwest Bulletin PNW 356. SWAN. CHASTAGNER. long. Wind breakage is also common, and although their root systems are windfirm, erosion of river banks commonly topples trees. Black cottonwood hybrid plantations use cuttings of 1- to 2-year-old wood. Structure and pattern of variation in a 3-year field test. BASSMAN, J.H., and J.C. ZWIER. Cottonwood regeneration is common after logging on more upland sites in northern Washington. Cuttings are planted in spring to a depth of 12 to 16 in., with at least one leaf bud aboveground. Spermatophyta – Seed plants Division ... Family: Salicaceae – Willow family Genus: Populus L. – cottonwood Species: Populus balsamifera L. – balsam poplar Subspecies: Populus balsamifera L. ssp. Planting Instructions: Fill a container with seed starting mix to about ½ inch from the top. High yield hybrid poplar plantations in the Pacific Northwest. Cytospora canker (C. chrysosperma) is common in natural forests and may be a threat to regeneration from cuttings. The table below 2 provides a dry-kiln schedule appropriate for the indicated thicknesses. Flower of Black Cottonwood. Oregon State University, Forest Research Laboratory. Tree Planters Notes 43(3):81-86. Cruising and Harvesting Diameter at breast height and total height can be used with tables or equations to estimate total tree volumes in cubic feet and sawlog volume. Large trees that have toppled into streams provide structure for aquatic habitat. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 20:1089-1097. The leaf has fine teeth, unlike the other cottonwoods. It can grow 125 to 150 feet tall. Black cottonwoods thrive best in moist soils and open areas that allow it to grow rapidly. Other poplar (Populus) and willow (Salix) species may grow in your area and have similar medicinal benefits, so I encourage you to research for proper identification and usage. In these conditions, cottonwood can average 5' in growth per year for its first 25 years. The wood is considered semi-ring to diffuse porous. Each tree contains either female or male catkins. Indoor Planting: If your seeds require stratification or scarification – do the recommended pretreatment before planting indoors. Physical properties of black cottonwood and balsam poplar. Most of the remaining volume is evenly distributed between the other regions in Washington and the Northwest subregion of Oregon. Prefers wet sites over dry sites. Black cottonwood is one of the least durable species when placed in contact with the soil or exposed to the weather. Gently water your seeds to keep moist, not soaking wet. Lumber and veneer are often considered to be of relatively low quality and are used primarily for cores in plywood or interior furniture parts. Influence of soil water on the physiological and morphological components of plant water balance in Populus trichocarpa, Populus deltoides and their F1 hybrids. During a tree's 125-year lifespan, it may rise to a height of 150' with a diameter ranging from 7' to 8'. In fact, Cisco says the seeds can sprout in … Weak joints are sometimes created if low-viscosity adhesives are used, or if glue spread are too low. Size, Longevity, and Form Mature cottonwoods attain heights of 125 to 150 ft (225 ft maximum) and diameters of 48 to 60 in. Seeds of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa, USDA zones 7 through 10), for example, should be soaked for six hours and those of the eastern cottonwood for 24 hours. HSIANG, T., and G.A. Ahrens, S. Willits, and D.E. Harvesting of native black cottonwood may often be subject to restrictions for the protection of riparian zones. Populus trichocarpa is a deciduous Tree growing to 40 m (131ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. Variation in Melampsora occidentalis rust on poplars in the Pacific Northwest. Place your seeds 1 inch to 1 ½ inches below the soil surface. Best results in planing were obtained with a hook angle of 15°. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. Interactions with Wildlife Because of its large size and relatively long life, black cottonwood is a superior wildlife tree in riparian areas. Black Cottonwoods make millions of seeds, usually in the last week of May and the seeds are dispersed on the winds- casting themselves as far from the mother tree as possible. 1993. Germination usually occurs in May or during the spring season. & A. Today, hybrid black poplar timber is used to make artificial limbs, wine cases, pallets, shelving, bowls and toys. Finishing Cottonwood is generally painted rather than clear-coated or stained in applications that require finishes. Refer to the publication High yield hybrid poplar plantations in the Pacific Northwest for detailed information on plantation culture. Appendix 1, Table 3 provides information on clear strength values, as well as comparative values for similar species. Germination may occur in 1 week or as long as 3 months (depending on the species). Green 4/4 lumber can be dried in 8 to 12 days, and air-dried material can be dried in 4 to 8 days. This is because cottonwood absorbs the adhesive more readily than other hardwoods. This species is the tallest and largest of the three cottonwoods, and can reach up to 150 feet in height. long; female catkins are 3 to 8 in. Male and female flowers (catkins) are borne on separate trees beginning in early March (or as late as mid-June in the north). Cottonwoods have a high tendency to warp during drying because of tension wood and wet pockets. Tolerance, Crown Position Black cottonwood is intolerant of shade. Timber Inventory The largest inventory of black cottonwood is in Washington, where it is third in total volume after red alder and bigleaf maple (Appendix 1, Table 1). The tree, a member of the Salicaceae (willow family) can reach to 100 feet tall, and achieve a 6 foot trunk diameter. Moderate crowding produces rapid crown closure (2 to 4 years), which suppresses competing vegetation and eliminates the need for further vegetation management treatments. Advantages of an effective weed control program for Populus hybrids. Most of the interest in the productivity of managed stands is focused on the intensive cultivation of selected clones or hybrids, in which case productivity is quite dependent on the clone under specific conditions. Quantity. A leaf rust (Melampsora sp.) The Botany of Cottonwood. Demand for black cottonwood lumber is occasionally good. Sixty percent of the total volume (456 MMCF) of black cottonwood is found in the Puget Sound subregion. Product Recovery Most cottonwood is used for pulp and paper because of its softness, light color, and ease of bleaching. STETTLER, D.P. 1993. Black cottonwood has been successfully sawn into lumber and peeled for veneer. ROGERS, D.L., STETTLER, R.F., and P.E. Other common associates are red alder, Oregon ash, bigleaf maple, Douglas-fir, western redcedar, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, grand fir, birch, cherry, and hawthorn. Heartwood is classed as moderately difficult to penetrate with wood preservatives. For sawlog or veneer production, moderate crowding is necessary to maintain stem form, reduce branching and forking, and induce self-pruning. KELLOGG, R.M., and E.P. trichocarpa (Torr. Aggressive roots can disturb concrete and invade water lines. Stems and branches may bend or break under heavy snow or ice. A comparative of important wood properties of the Populus trichocarpa cultivar “Senior.” Mitteilungen. It is limited by high soil acidity, inadequate aeration, and low nutrient supplies. Black cottonwood is a large deciduous tree belonging to the willow family (Salicaceae). A leaf rust (Melampsora sp.) Brayshaw – black cottonwood Subordinate Taxa … Branchwood cuttings from trees as old as 30 years have also done well. In much of the Northwest, these conditions are restricted to wet bottomlands. The cottonwood tree is indigenous to North America, where it is commonly seen growing along riverbanks and streams. Various trial plantings indicate that annual yield rates from managed cottonwood can average 150 to 300 ft3 per acre for up to 24 years. Seedbeds must remain moist for up to 1 month for good germination and establishment. The average specific gravity is 0.32 (green) or 0.37 (ovendry). In the Northern states – the best time to plant seeds outdoors is from May to June. Soils Black cottonwood grows best on deep alluvial soils with good aeration and abundant moisture. The Black Cottonwood, also known as the Western Balsam Poplar or California Poplar is one of the tallest and fastest growing hardwood trees in the Western United States. Although cottonwood trees are really attractive and add to the appeal of their surroundings, their immense size makes them unsuitable for small yards. Typical spacings for pulpwood rotations are 6 X 6 ft to 7 X 10 ft, which accommodate tractors. The fluffy seeds can travel 20 miles on a breeze, they can be carried on streams and rivers and rest in a vernal pool. P. 570-576 in Silvics of North America. It is also called Western balsam poplar and California poplar. Longer rotations require thinning to maintain diameter growth. These species include Pacific, river, northwest, and Scouler willows. Keep your growing lights on 14 hours per day. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 16:491-496. Cottonwood favors moist, well-drained soil along waterways. Cottonwood often avoids competition from other species by establishing at high densities on new substrates and overwhelming any competing species. Some upland sites with deep, moist, and fertile soils are also productive for black cottonwood. In the Pacific Northwest, black cottonwood is most abundant in the Puget Sound basin and in the Columbia and Willamette river basins. Animals significantly hinder establishment of black cottonwood plantations. Verein fuer Forstliche Standortskunde und Forstpflanzenzuchtung 24:68. Black cottonwood. 1990. Heartwood MC averages 162 percent, sapwood MC averages 146 percent. Trees begin to flower after 10 years of growth. Names: Black Cottonwood is also known as Balsam Poplar. Cottonwood’s paintability rating falls in the middle range when compared to other hardwoods. Bending strength is classed as low, while in stiffness and toughness, black cottonwood is rated as intermediate. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. Characteristics Black cottonwood is a soft, light wood of uniform texture. It is one of the largest of some 40 species of Populus and is the tallest, fastest-growing hardwood in the western United States. 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