The branches are bumpy with a star in the middle of them, The tree has blackish brown wave like bark, the leaves are arrow head shaped with vanes every other side not side by side, and the side are bumpy, The flower’s are red with bumpy flower petals.  

cottonwood salve. The resin on the buds was used as glue and yellow dye. The bark and leaves were used as medical treatments for wounds and swelling.

You gather black cottonwood buds in late spring to early winter. and you can collect there buds January to march

along most streams. alternating dry and moist soil conditions will allow the Black cottonwood to grow well in your yard. and needs full sun