Height: Quite large; occasionally approaching 200 feet (though most often, less than half this height)
Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
Lifespan: Usually less than 100 years, but occasionally twice or thrice as long in ideal locations
Fall Foliage: Attractive gold to yellow
Range: A tree of the Great Plains, Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, and the southeastern United States, east of the Appalachian Mountains.
Typical Habitat: Typically grows best in deep, fertile soil; requires significant moisture and sun exposure
The Eastern Cottonwood Tree: The Poplar of the East
Poplars are an important and diverse group of species, but they’re much more diverse in the northern and western portions of North America than they are in the east (especially the southeast). The eastern cottonwood tree is one of the only representatives of the group found in the east.
The other poplars native to the southeastern United States include the bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata), which ranges south to parts of Virginia, and the downy poplar (Populus heterophylla), which is found in a few scattered pockets around the southeast.
Like many of its relatives, the eastern cottonwood tree is a pioneer species, which is among the first trees to colonize disturbed sites.
Eastern Cottonwood Identification: Tips & Tricks
Eastern cottonwoods are generally easy to recognize in the eastern United States.
Noting their triangular leaves is generally sufficient, but you can also look around for the cottony fibers attached to the tree’s seeds.
Location also provides a good clue, as cottonwoods typically grow best in sunny, damp locations.
The Eastern Cottonwood: Additional Information
Unfortunately, the eastern cottonwood rarely attracts the attention of some other hardwoods, but it’s a worthy species to research. Check out some of these resources to get started on your journey:
- U.S. Forest Service: A comprehensive guide to the eastern cottonwood, including information ranging from growth habit to management considerations.
- North Carolina State Extension: A general resource about the eastern cottonwood, including growing tips, cultivars, and planting requirements.
- The Morton Arboretum: Quick-and-straightforward information, along with numerous photographs.
