Crown is conical under good conditions, irregular in stressful conditions. Leaves are simple and triangular shaped, slightly cordate, sharply acuminate. Margin is toothed. Petiole is flat as it is on most Poplars. Foliage is a shiny bright green in summer and strikingly yellow in fall.
Flowers appear in spring and are yellowish green.
Fruit is messy in the summer on female trees. Will grow anywhere as long as there is a source of water. Good indicator plant of riparian environments when found in nature. Tends to form suckers and structure is fragile. Native to California along coastal ranges.