black cottonwood
peachleaf willow
Black Cottonwood (Black Cottonwood) is a large, fast-growing tree with broad, triangular to heart-shaped leaves that have a pointed tip and a glossy dark-green upper surface. Its buds are large, sticky, and strongly fragrant, and mature trees often have deeply furrowed gray bark. It commonly grows along rivers, streams, and floodplains. Peachleaf Willow (Peachleaf Willow) is usually smaller and has long, narrow leaves resembling peach leaves, with finely toothed edges and a more graceful, drooping appearance. Unlike cottonwoods, willow buds are not sticky, and the bark tends to be more ridged and shaggy with age. It is also found near water but often occupies streambanks and wetlands. Quick field tip: If the leaves are broad and triangular and the buds feel sticky, it's likely a Black Cottonwood. If the leaves are long, narrow, and willow-like, it's probably a Peachleaf Willow.