Trees you've cut

[SawAddictedFarmer]

I believe we have poplar and cottonwood in the us and they are 2 completely different trees.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

Or not.
From Google
Poplar and cottonwood are closely related, fast-growing trees in the Populus genus (willow family) that share similar, heart-shaped leaves and tall growth habits, often reaching over 80 feet. Cottonwoods, particularly the eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), are known for producing immense amounts of fluffy, cotton-like seeds in spring and preferring moist riparian areas. Poplar is a broader term encompassing cottonwoods, aspens, and other species, generally preferring cooler climates compared to the, often larger, cottonwood.
Key Differences:

• Seeds/Fluff: Cottonwoods (specifically female trees) are famous for producing massive amounts of cottony fluff in late spring. While some poplars are cotton-free, many share this characteristic, though the "cottonwood" name is most associated with this trait.
• Leaves: Cottonwood leaves typically have a flat, triangular base with a flat petiole. Many poplars, such as the balsam poplar, have more rounded or lance-shaped leaves.
• Growth/Habitat: Cottonwoods are known for extreme growth speed and enormous, spreading canopies, often growing 6+ feet in diameter. Poplars, like the Balsam poplar, are often more upright and suited to boreal/subarctic regions.
• Wood Quality: Black cottonwood is often considered superior for lumber compared to some other poplars, having higher strength.
• Staining: Balsam poplar leaves often have an orange/brown resinous staining on the underside, which is absent in cottonwood.
• Similarities:
  • Genus: Both belong to the Populus genus.
  • Leaf Action: Both have long leaf stems that cause the leaves to tremble or shimmer in the wind.
  • Uses: Both are used for firewood, pulp, and landscaping.
• Common Species Examples:
  • Cottonwood: Eastern Cottonwood, Black Cottonwood, Narrowleaf Cottonwood.
  • Poplar: Balsam Poplar, White Poplar, Lombardy Poplar.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

Or not.
From Google
Poplar and cottonwood are closely related, fast-growing trees in the Populus genus (willow family) that share similar, heart-shaped leaves and tall growth habits, often reaching over 80 feet. Cottonwoods, particularly the eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), are known for producing immense amounts of fluffy, cotton-like seeds in spring and preferring moist riparian areas. Poplar is a broader term encompassing cottonwoods, aspens, and other species, generally preferring cooler climates compared to the, often larger, cottonwood.
Key Differences:

• Seeds/Fluff: Cottonwoods (specifically female trees) are famous for producing massive amounts of cottony fluff in late spring. While some poplars are cotton-free, many share this characteristic, though the "cottonwood" name is most associated with this trait.
• Leaves: Cottonwood leaves typically have a flat, triangular base with a flat petiole. Many poplars, such as the balsam poplar, have more rounded or lance-shaped leaves.
• Growth/Habitat: Cottonwoods are known for extreme growth speed and enormous, spreading canopies, often growing 6+ feet in diameter. Poplars, like the Balsam poplar, are often more upright and suited to boreal/subarctic regions.
• Wood Quality: Black cottonwood is often considered superior for lumber compared to some other poplars, having higher strength.
• Staining: Balsam poplar leaves often have an orange/brown resinous staining on the underside, which is absent in cottonwood.
• Similarities:
  • Genus: Both belong to the Populus genus.
  • Leaf Action: Both have long leaf stems that cause the leaves to tremble or shimmer in the wind.
  • Uses: Both are used for firewood, pulp, and landscaping.
• Common Species Examples:
  • Cottonwood: Eastern Cottonwood, Black Cottonwood, Narrowleaf Cottonwood.
  • Poplar: Balsam Poplar, White Poplar, Lombardy Poplar.

There are a bunch of related trees in this category…basically, pulp wood.
Around here, Cottonwoods are considered the bigass, broad canopy, basically useless trees and Poplars that are straight poles with branches that grow up along the trunk rather than out. We have Potlatch as well that look similar.
A confusing bunch of trees, imo

 

[jacktheripper]

I have seen a lot of similarity in cottonwood, silver poplar, willow, and aspen around here. The wood all seems and acts similarly when cut.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

I think cottonwood is more branchy/forky?

They are around here.