Populus deltoides
Cottonwood
General
Cottonwood is a fast-growing tree commonly found in flood plains, useful for soil stabilization. It has beautiful golden yellow leaves in the fall. The female trees release fluffy, cotton-like seeds in the spring.
Plant Description
Cottonwood has dark green, roundish deltoid leaves. The bark is a smooth green-gray when the tree is young. As it ages, the bark will become dark gray and deeply cracked, sometimes exposing the light wood underneath. Old cottonwood trees can be quite tall, reaching up to 100' in height. In autumn, the leaves of the cottonwood tree turn bright yellow.
Height (ft)
75-100
Spread (ft)
30-60
Soil moisture
Moist
Soil types
Almost Any
Wetland indicator
FAC
Shade tolerance
Full Sun, No Shade
Bloom color
Yellow
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
High
Drought tolerance
Medium
Salinity tolerance
Medium
Self-Pollinating?
No
Range
Cottonwood is native to all 48 contiguous United States. It is not well established in Maine.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the inner bark and sap has been used for food and the sap has been used to conceal scent when stealing enemies' horses. The brown leaf buds are scratched to make green, purple, red and white dye. The bark is eaten for colds and the poultice of the leaves are used to treat bruises and sores.