Black Cottonwood
Scientific name: Populus trichocarpa
Overview
Black Cottonwood is the largest hardwood tree species in western North America and is commonly found near rivers, floodplains, and moist environments. It is lightweight, fast-growing, and widely used for utility applications, plywood, and pulp production.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Black Cottonwood
- Scientific Name: Populus trichocarpa
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–200 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 24 lbs/ft³ (385 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 430 lbf
- Color: Pale brown to light reddish brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Black Cottonwood has a relatively plain appearance with a straight grain and uniform texture. Growth rings may be visible, but the wood generally has a soft and lightweight appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale brown to light reddish-brown coloration
- Straight grain pattern
- Fine to medium texture
- Lightweight structure
Working Properties
Black Cottonwood is easy to work due to its softness and low density.
- Easy to machine
- Low tool wear
- Glues and finishes adequately
- Lightweight and stable
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Black Cottonwood is commonly used in lightweight and utility-focused applications.
- Plywood cores
- Crates and pallets
- Pulp and paper production
Sustainability & Notes
This species grows rapidly and is widely distributed across western North America, particularly in moist environments.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Aspen – A similarly lightweight hardwood commonly used in utility and interior applications.
Yellow Poplar – A light and workable hardwood with broader commercial woodworking use.
Red Alder – A slightly denser hardwood often used in cabinetry and furniture.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences Explained – Explains why species like Black Cottonwood are classified as hardwoods despite being soft.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Shows why lightweight woods are used differently than dense furniture hardwoods.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Covers how lighter woods respond to environmental moisture changes.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Black Cottonwood is not typically considered a collector species, but it is useful for understanding lightweight North American hardwoods and fast-growing utility woods.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.
Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Ultrawall Wall Mount Wood Organizer and Lumber Storage Metal Rack with 3-Level – Indoor & Outdoor Use, 4 Pack for organizing boards, hardwood inventory, and workshop storage
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Router Bits Set of 15 Pieces 1/4 Inch Woodwork Tools for Beginners for edge profiles, trimming, joinery, and general woodworking projects
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REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set, Premium Grade T12 Drop Forged Alloy Steel for shaping, smoothing, carving, and detail finishing work
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