Populus trichocarpa, the black cottonwood, is a deciduous broadleaf tree species used for timber and renowned as a model organism in plant biology. It's a sizable tree, reaching 30 to 50 meters in height, with thick, fissured bark. Its leaves are glossy, dark green on top and light grey-green beneath, growing up to 30 cm long. The tree's aggressive root system can harm drainage systems and even building foundations.