General:
* Peuplier à feuilles d'or: This is the most common and literal translation, meaning "poplar with golden leaves." It refers to the eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and is widely understood.
* Peuplier faux-tremble: This means "false trembling poplar" and can be used for other cottonwood species like the black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa).
Specific species:
* Peuplier du Canada: This means "Canadian poplar" and is a common name for the eastern cottonwood in Quebec.
* Peuplier à feuilles lancéolées: This translates to "poplar with lanceolate leaves" and is a more specific name for the black cottonwood.
Other:
* Cotonnier: This literally means "cotton tree" but is not commonly used for cottonwoods.
* Bois de coton: This means "cottonwood" literally, but it's not very common in everyday usage.
The best translation will depend on the context. If you're talking about a specific type of cottonwood, it's best to use the more precise name. However, if you're just mentioning cottonwood in general, "peuplier à feuilles d'or" is a good option.