The word populus is the classical Latin name for the poplar tree. Most of North America, with Populus deltoides in the eastern to midwest United States and Populus trichocarpa in the western United States. The sapwood of cottonwood is white, while the heartwood is light brown to brown. The wood is weak in bending and compression, soft and low in shock resistance. It has a sour odor when wet, but no characteristic odor or taste when dry.
Tension wood is frequently present, causing a fuzzy surface when cut.
Cottonwood glues well, has low nail-holding ability, does not split easily, and holds paint well. No information available at this time. Lumber, veneer, plywood short bolts, pulpwood, boxes, crates, food containers, interior furniture parts, agricultural implements, wooden ware, cutting boards.