Populus deltoides (Eastern Cottonwood)

Fast-growing, Populus deltoides (Eastern Cottonwood) is an upright-spreading, vase-shaped deciduous tree with glossy, dark green, deltoid leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), which may turn a lovely yellow in fall. On mature trees, the ash-gray bark is divided into thick, flattened ridges, separated by deep fissures. In early-mid spring, before the leaves emerge, small male and female flowers appear in separate catkins on separate male and female trees. The female flowers give way to capsules that split open to release clouds of cottony seeds that can be a temporary nuisance. Roots can be invasive as Eastern Cottonwood develops an extensive root system that can buckle sidewalks and damage sewer lines. A good shade tree or specimen to be grown on large properties away from residential areas or in rural areas along streams, rivers, and lowspots where other large trees may not flourish.

• Grows up to 50-80 ft. tall (15-24 m) and 35-60 ft. wide (10-18 m)
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
• Low maintenance, this beautiful tree may be subject to dieback, cankers, leaf spots, rusts, powdery mildew, borers, aphids, caterpillars and scale. Deer resistant.
• Take hardwood cuttings in winter.
• Native to eastern and central United States.