Populus sp.
Cottonwood, Cottonwood
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Family: Salicaceae · Type: Tree · Variable; species dependent
Populus sp. (Cottonwood) is a non-native California tree in the Salicaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Quercus: Poplar leaves flutter conspicuously on flat petioles; oaks have stiff leaves that don't flutter and produce acorns.; vs Salix: Poplar catkins hang downward like tassels; willow catkins stand upright or spread outward.; vs Pyrus: Poplars have catkins and cottony seeds; pears have showy white flowers and round pear-shaped fruits.; vs Platanus: Poplar bark is furrowed; sycamore bark peels in puzzle-piece patches revealing white inner bark.; vs Alnus: Poplar catkins are soft and pendulous; alder has woody cone-like structures that persist through winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Populus sp. native to California?
No. Populus sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Populus sp. belong to?
Populus sp. is in the Salicaceae family, genus Populus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.