Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

Eastern cottonwood

Also known as: Plains cottonwood

Eastern cottonwood is a fast-growing, short-lived commercial hardwood of America. It is known for its method of regeneration, where the fluff-covered seeds are dispersed by the wind and create the effect of ‘snow’ for a short period of time. The tree is cultivated for its lightweight wood to make a variety of furniture, plywood, and other wood products.

Scientific classification

Species

Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

20 m to 60 m

Plant Height

Green, Red

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Eastern cottonwood

Attributes of Eastern cottonwood

Growth Rate

Characterized by its rapid growth rate, eastern cottonwood experiences a significant transformation during Spring and Summer. As temperatures rise, it swiftly produces an array of large, shade-casting leaves, concurrent with a remarkable height increase, often reaching up to 6 feet annually. This accelerated growth supports the plant's strategy to out-compete neighboring vegetation for sunlight. However, variation in growth rate is observed, with speed tapering off when reaching maturity or during colder months.

Distribution of Eastern cottonwood

Distribution Map

Eastern cottonwood is native from central and eastern Canada to Mexico. The introduction of this plant has occurred in many regions of Europe, some areas of South America, Africa, and South Korea. Eastern cottonwood loves damp soil, particularly next to riverbanks.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Eastern cottonwood is a medium-sized tree noted for its wide canopy, which makes it a good choice of shade tree, particularly in lawns and rain gardens. This tree grows fast, suiting ornamental use, and has attractive leaf colors in fall. Attracting bees and hummingbirds, eastern cottonwood makes for a good specimen tree, although its dense roots can be invasive. Good companion plants include creeping phlox, yew, and dwarf lilac.

Symbolism

The pioneer of the prairie, the sun, sacredness, the afterlife

Interesting Facts

Eastern cottonwood, or Populus deltoides, is the state tree of both Kansas and Wyoming in the United States. Under ideal conditions, these trees can live anywhere from 200 to 400 years. As a soft wood, it is often used to make plywood and parts of furniture.

Name Story

Eastern cottonwood: As a pioneer of grassland, it has soft characteristics that are different from the sound of its strong name. Before the leaves appear, the plant will produce lots of willow floss like a thin and soft fur. These flocs contain its seed with roughly 40 million seeds per tree. These seeds look like they are hidden under a pile of cotton. As it is also native to the eastern part of the United States, it is called easter cottonwood.

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Quickly Identify Eastern cottonwood

Smooth, glossy triangular leaves with coarse teeth, 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) long and up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide.

Distinctive yellow-green twigs with elongated catkins measuring 2-4.5 inches (5-11.4 cm) in spring.

Male catkins with red stamens and female catkins with yellow stigmas and green ovary, blooming March-April.

Egg-shaped green capsules with cottony seeds, 0.31-0.47 inches (8-12 mm) long, for wind dispersal.

Transformative bark from smooth, greenish-gray to ashy gray with deep furrows, aiding in age identification.

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Care Guide for Eastern cottonwood

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Eastern cottonwood thrives in moist conditions and tolerates brief dry spells. It prefers consistent moisture, needing water every 1-2 weeks. As a deciduous species often grown outdoors, eastern cottonwood demands ample water during the growing season for optimal foliage health.

Fertilize: Enhance eastern cottonwood's growth with balanced nutrition fertilizer in spring and high-nitrogen types during growth phases. Feed once or twice per season, adjusting for age. Use label rates carefully to avoid harm. Young trees require half-strength; mature eastern cottonwood thrive on full strength. Avoid late-season fertilization.

Pruning: Eastern cottonwood is a fast-growing deciduous tree with triangular leaves and unique bark. Prune in early spring for shaping and removing dead or crowded branches. Maintain a strong central leader and open canopy for air circulation, promoting health and preventing diseases.

Propagation: Eastern cottonwood can be propagated via hardwood cuttings, layering, and seeds, with difficulty from easy to moderate. Success is indicated by new roots or shoots. Best propagation occurs in Autumn or Winter, using cuttings from healthy, disease-free plants.

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Images of Eastern cottonwood

Attributes of Eastern cottonwood

Distribution of Eastern cottonwood

Culture

Quickly Identify Eastern cottonwood

Care Guide for Eastern cottonwood

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