Black Cottonwood

Giant, fast-growing deciduous tree with large, heart-shaped to linear leaves with white on the underside. Important along rivers and streams where they stabilize soils and form gallery forests of giant trees. Cottonwoods establish quickly in areas with seasonal flooding and a high water table. Too big, fast growing, and prone to breakage to be a good choice for small yards, they are nonetheless important and impressive in natural areas. They are dangerous near homes, as the wandering roots will find septic systems and drain fields. Cottonwood fluff is frequently used to line smaller bird nests while large raptors like eagles and osprey nest in the giant trees.