Common Cottonwood Populus deltoides

The common cottonwood is a large, fast-growing tree or shrub. This NC native plant is found at fine sandy loams or silt loams in stream banks of the piedmont and coastal plain.  It grows tall as well, averaging 80-100 ft but potentially growing as high as 200 ft.  It has yellowish twigs, coarsely toothed leaves, and gummy end buds that easily distinguish it from other species of poplar.  Although pyramidal in youth, this tree/shrub will have a broad vase with open branches with age.  The plant becomes ragged and irregular as it further grows.  The seed capsules of the female produce silky white hairs when they split open.  The common name of cottonwood comes from the appearance of these hairs, which resemble cotton.

Plant in the full sun and moist, well-drained soil, preferably within 15-50 ft above stream level.  It tolerates a wide range of soil pH, 4.5-8.0. and can withstand occasional flooding. It is an easy-to-transplant but short-lived, messy, brittle tree. It is typically found growing along streams and rivers but also naturalized areas, woodlands, lawns, or rain gardens. This plant may be used as a specimen or a shade tree. It attracts some small mammals and is resistant to erosion and wet soil. It can be weedy as seedlings and produce copious root sprouts.

Insect problems include borers, aphids, caterpillars, and scale.  Tree and shrub seedlings are not well managed by preemergence herbicides, and selective postemergence controls are not available. Hand pull seedlings when small.

Its wood is brittle, giving little value for lumber. It is harvested for the production of plywood, baskets, crates, and pulp, particularly for use in high-grade magazine paper.

 VIDEO created by Grant L. Thompson for “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines for Landscaping” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.