EASTERN COTTONWOOD
Populus deltoides

Height: 60-80'
Width: 40-60'
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Exposure: sun, light shade
Origin: Quebec to North Dakota and south to Kansas, Texas and Florida

Description:

Cottonwood is a rapid-growing, deciduous tree that becomes very large with age. Glossy, simple leaves are SHAPE, measuring 3-5” long and equally wide. Fall color is yellow. Trees are dioecious (Sexes are on separate plants). Flowers and seeds are born on catkins. Male catkins show red stamens in the spring. Small, light seeds are attached to white, cottony filliment, which aids wind dispersal. Female trees produce tremendous amounts of seed which can literally make the ground appear white. Tree form is upright-spreading with an oval to rounded crown. Cottonwood is not usually recommended for residential landscapes or other small properties because of a tendency for branches to break in wind and ice storms. A young Populus deltoides ‘Siouxland’ is a good tree for highway and park plantings where only little maintenance is possible.

Site and Cultural Requirements:

Tolerant to a broad range of soil conditions. Native habitat is along streams and in flood plains.

Insect/Disease Issues:

No serious insect problems. Can be infected by cankers, but these are rarely a concern.

Cultivars:

‘Siouxland’ A male cultivar. Does not produce seed.
‘Robusta’ A rapid-growing hybrid poplar with a broad oval crown. Male tree. Does not produce seed.

 

We would like to thank the Landscape Plant Development Center and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for the botanical information and photos.

Open 9:00 AM until Sunset
Closed Mondays, open holidays
Phone: (515)-992-4211
Email: info@thebrentonarboretum.org