Populus deltoides (Eastern Cottonwood)
Populus deltoides (Eastern Cottonwood)
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Populus deltoides is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree valued for rapidly providing generous shade, wind protection and a commanding landscape presence. It develops a broad, open canopy supported by a substantial trunk with attractively furrowed grey bark. Glossy triangular green leaves flutter noticeably in the breeze before turning golden yellow in autumn, creating both movement and seasonal colour.
Well suited to rural properties, parks, riverbanks and expansive open spaces, Eastern Cottonwood performs particularly well in moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate periods of drought once established. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for customers wanting to establish a large shade tree or windbreak quickly. However, it requires considerable space and should be planted well away from buildings, paving, drains and underground pipes because of its extensive root system.

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Mature height
Approximately 20–25 metres
Mature width
Approximately 18–20 metres
Spacing
Approximately 18–20 metres apart
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Foliage
Glossy medium-green foliage turning golden yellow in autumn; grey to dark-grey furrowed bark
Flowering Period & Fruit Development/Harvest
Red male or green female catkins appear in spring before the foliage; female trees release cotton-like seeds from late spring into early summer
Sun tolerance
Full sun to partial shade; best growth occurs in full sun
Maintenance
Moderate; remove suckers, fallen branches and unwanted seedlings, train young trees to a strong central leader and prune damaged or crossing branches
Root System
Extensive, vigorous and widely spreading; roots may be shallow and invasive, and the tree can produce suckers