Species of cottonwood poplar native to much of North America; it is known in three subspecies. It is one of the largest North American hardwood trees, growing to nearly 30 meters (100 feet) in height. It has thick glossy leaves and bark that is silver-white and smooth, becoming darker and deeply fissured on older trees. Due to the flat stem of the leaf, the leaf has the tendency to shake from even the slightest breeze. This is one of the identifying characteristics.
