32 FORESTS OF MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK. 



toms, on the banks of large streams, and in swampy places. It 

 usually grows to a height of 30 or 40 feet. The bark varies from 

 nearly white to light gray. It is the most abundant of all the 

 deciduous trees in the park. 



Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) (fig. 25) is common from 

 Alaska to southern California. It is occasionally found in the park 

 up to 4,000 feet. It grows along streams and on sandy river bottoms 

 often associated with the alder. The leaves are almost always in 

 motion, very gentle winds being sufficient to make them twinkle and 

 turn. 



The wood is soft, but tough and compact. It is used for staves, 

 woodenware, wood pulp, trunks, barrels, and for drawer bottoms. 



