Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides
Salicaceae
Populus deltoides leaf
Populus deltoides form
Populus deltoides bark
Populus deltoides fruit
Large, fast growing tree. Naturally grows in alluvial soils and bottomlands with flood tolerance. Adapts to dry, compacted soils and urban conditions, though it may grow more slowly. Susceptible to storm damage/limb breakage.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Very Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Moth/butterfly host; insect host, attracts woodpeckers; cavity nesting site
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
2 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
287
Bloom Time
Spring (Feb-Apr)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Large (75-100 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Dry: Soil can be damp for periods of time and can retain little to no water for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; cosmetic-leaf spot
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Occasional
  • Oak Mixed: Occasional
  • Alluvial: Abundant
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Occasional
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC: Facultative, occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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