Identify the Poplars

The poplars are four primary species of cottonwoods and an aspen native to North America. The Eastern Cottonwood, Populus deltoides, is one of the largest North American hardwood trees. The aspen, has the widest range in the United States. It occurs throughout the eastern United States and throughout Canada. Yellow poplar is not a true poplar and not listed here.

The Common North American Poplar Species

• Quaking aspen
• Balsam poplar
• Eastern cottonwood
• Black cottonwood

Leaves: alternate, simple, mostly toothed.
Fruit: capsule opening in 2-4 parts.

ash | beech | basswood | birch | black cherry | black walnut/butternut | cottonwood | elm | hackberry | hickory | holly | locust | magnolia | maple | oak | poplar | red alder | royal paulownia | sassafras | sweetgum | sycamore | tupelo | willow | yellow-poplar

ID Glossary