Also known as American Black Poplar · Canadian Poplar · Common Cottonwood
Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its large size and distinctive cottony seeds.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun Required
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and health.
Consistent Moisture Recommended
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially for young trees. Mature trees tolerate some drought.
Adaptable
50% intensity
Wide Range
25% intensity
Tolerates a broad spectrum of temperatures, from cold winters to hot summers typical of its native range.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Generally Not Required
25% intensity
Benefits from a balanced fertilizer if growth is slow or leaves are pale; apply in early spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Eastern Cottonwoods thrive in consistently moist soil, especially when young. Water deeply and regularly during dry spells to encourage strong root development.
Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged periods of extreme heat and dryness.
Prune to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain structural integrity. The best time for major pruning is during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) before new growth begins.
Light shaping can be done in summer if necessary.
Eastern Cottonwoods are easily propagated from stem cuttings taken during the dormant season.
Select healthy, vigorous shoots, cut them into sections about 20-30 cm long, and plant them directly into moist soil or a propagation medium. Rooting is typically successful.
Repotting is typically not applicable for established, landscape-grown Eastern Cottonwoods due to their rapid and extensive root systems. For container-grown specimens, repot into a larger container when root-bound, usually every 2-3 years, using a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Where Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Populus |
| Species | Populus deltoides |
Similar in genus Populus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
