Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Salicaceae
Native Range: Eastern and Central North America
Leaf: deciduous, alternate, heart to triangle-shaped leaf with toothed margin and elongated tip, 3-7 inches long and 3-6 inches wide
Twig and Bud: twigs stout, somewhat angled, buds 3/4 inch and covered in brown, sticky scales
Flower, Fruit and Seed: fruits are green bud-shaped capsules, seeds attached to cotton-like fluff to aid in wind dispersal
Bark: ash-gray, thick, blocky bark with deep furrows and ridges on mature trees
Shape and Mature Height: broad and vase shaped, 80-110 feet
Garden Value and Considerations
A native tree that grows along streams and other lowland areas. Cottonwood trees are poorly suited for garden use.
Notes
These fast-growing trees are some of the tallest trees east of the Rocky Mountains. The common name refers to the cotton-like seeds which can be seen blowing in the wind in May or early June.
