Populus deltoides

Identifying Features

Eastern cottonwoods are large trees, growing up to 100’ tall. Their trunks and branches are thick.

Their bark is gray, rough, and rigid.

Eastern cottonwood leaves are alternate, simple, and between 2-8" lng. They’re toothed, triangular in shape with long leafstalks. They have a shiny appearance. In autumn, they turn yellow.

Habitat & Range

Eastern cottonwood grow in moist soils and along floodplains. They are found throughout much of the eastern United States.

Life Cycle

Their seeds are cottony, and float through the air in late spring as they are released from their capsules.

Featured image by James Dake.