Question: are cottonwood and poplar the same tree?
Answer: Cottonwoods have more triangular or heartshaped leaves than poplars, and the edges are slightly serrated. Poplar leaves have a more oval to oval-lance-like leaves. ... Cottonwoods are also taller, ranging between 80 and 200 feet, whereas the balsam poplar is only 80 feet and the black poplar a mere 40 to 50.