Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) grows in the Pacific Northwest. It favors moist, well-drained soil along waterways. The tree has roughly a 125-year life-span and commonly grows 80-100 feet and sometimes up to 150 feet tall. Diameters are 3-4 feet with a few up to 5 feet in diameter. The gray bark is thick and deeply fissured. Large leaves are heart shaped and contain summertime cotton tails from which it acquired its name. Since the trees grow in areas with water, they were a gathering place for settlers in the 1800's on the Oregon Trail. Specific gravity is as follows (Basic, 12% MC): .31, .38. The wood is of a medium texture and is easy to work, though sharp tools are recommended to avoid fuzzy areas. If fuzzy areas occur, they can be sanded to deliver a smooth finish. The wood glues and finishes well.