A massive fast-growing tree of river bottoms with broad triangular leaves that flutter constantly in any breeze. Cotton-tufted seeds blanket streamsides in early summer.

Also called: Necklace Poplar, Plains Cottonwood (western subspecies)

Native status: Native to central and eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeMature height 25–40 m (80–130 ft); trunk diameter 1.2–2.5 m
WeightN/A
LifespanTypically 70–100 years; some over 200
OrderMalpighiales
FamilySalicaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Populus deltoides, the eastern cottonwood or necklace poplar, is a species of cottonwood poplar native to North America, growing throughout the eastern, central, and southwestern United States as well as the southern Canadian prairies, the southernmost part of eastern Canada, and northeastern Mexico.

Source: Wikipedia — Populus deltoides Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive tree with deeply furrowed pale gray bark; broadly triangular leaves with flattened petioles that cause leaves to flutter in slightest breeze; long catkins in spring.

Similar species. Black Cottonwood (western range, smaller leaves). Plains Cottonwood (subspecies; western range). Quaking Aspen (much smaller leaves). White Poplar (introduced; very different).

Voice. Rustling of fluttering leaves in breeze is a defining sound of riparian forests.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Fast-growing keystone tree of river bottoms across central and eastern US. Female trees produce massive quantities of cotton-tufted seeds — a single mature tree can release 25–48 million seeds per year, blanketing surrounding ground in "cottonwood snow" each early summer. Roots stabilize streambanks and floodplains; cavities in old trunks shelter many wildlife species. State tree of Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

§ Range

Throughout the eastern and central US into Canada

§ Habitat

River bottoms, floodplains, sandy stream banks

§ Threats

River channelization eliminating floodplain regeneration, dam construction altering flooding cycles.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern cottonwood is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support natural river flow regimes. Allow floodplain regeneration. Plant cottonwood in large yards near water.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
  • The Nature Conservancy floodplain restoration
  • IUCN Red List 2018