Plant encyclopedia›eastern cottonwood

eastern cottonwood

Also known as: American cottonwood; balsam poplar; berry-bearing poplar; Carolina poplar; cottonwood; necklace poplar; northern cottonwood; great plains cottonwood

Large, fast-growing, specimen or screening tree reaching 30m, with glossy, bright green, triangular leaves, strongly balsam-scented when young. Red male and green female catkins to 10cm long are produced on separate trees in early spring

Scientific classification

Species: eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Genus: Populus
Family: Salicaceae

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Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Information to be completed
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full shade · Partial shade
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Ideal temperature

eastern cottonwood pictures

Distribution of eastern cottonwood

Distribution map

C and E. Canada to Mexico

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of eastern cottonwood

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eastern cottonwood care guide

Deep wide irrigation in dry heat, moderate watering in mild weather
Watering: Full shade · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep wide irrigation in dry heat, moderate watering in mild weather

Fertilizing

Balanced slow-release feed once applied each early spring yearly

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter and suckers in autumn or late winter

Growing

Tolerates most soils except those that are constantly waterlogged and best in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root system may damage drains and foundations, particularly in clay soils and has the potential to become a nuisance

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