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Eastern Cottonwood

Will Ship Spring 2024

Plant Type: Dormant, bare-root

Zones:  2-9

Soil Type:  Loamy & Sandy Soils

Site Selection: Full Sun

Mature Height & Width:  75-100' Height and 50-75' Spread

Growth Rate:  Fast - 12-24" or more per year on average

Moisture Requirements: Average to wet soils

Plant Characteristics
GAME BIRDS
FALL COLORS
SHADE TREE
ROUND SHAPE
2-9

Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides

If you want to achieve quick shade in a large open space, Eastern Cottonwood is a fine choice. This giant may grow 24+" annually, once established. Well suited along streams, riverbanks, swamps and in lowland, rain gardens and rural areas. This tree is also an excellent specimen for erosion control, as seen on strip mine spoils. Birds of prey enjoy for nesting and night roosts. Deer, rabbits, beavers, other small mammals, and domestic stock will browse seedlings and young trees. Beavers use Eastern Cottonwood in the construction of dams. While tolerant of drought and air pollution, it is best to plant this tree on sites away from buildings due to the extensive root system.

Common uses for Eastern Cottonwood include:

  • Used in wet areas like floodplains
  • Large shade tree
  • Fast growing
  • Good wildlife value

Birds of prey enjoy for nesting and night roosts. Deer, rabbits, beavers, other small mammals, and domestic stock will browse seedlings and young trees. Beavers use Eastern Cottonwood in the construction of dams.

Product Questions

I am planning a conservation project in Southeast Nebraska in Gage County and I have some questions about the products. I am planning on planting these trees around stream areas and had some questions to ensure they survive. These trees are going to be in pasture areas and I am looking at possibly baling the grass that grows around these trees.

1. What is the ideal pH for these trees?
2. Are these trees good for erosion control along stream banks?
3. What is a good tree spacing?
4. At what age will these trees be able to tolerate a prescribed burn?
5. How resistant to disease is this tree?
6. What is the drought tolerance of this tree?
7. What is the lifespan of these trees?
Question by: Robert Nietfeld on Mar 1, 2021, 7:24 PM
https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_pode3.pdf

1. What is the ideal pH for these trees? 4.5-8
2. Are these trees good for erosion control along stream banks? Yes
3. What is a good tree spacing? Spacing should be based on mature width of tree about 50-75'. You can space closer and the trees will intertwine when they are older
4. At what age will these trees be able to tolerate a prescribed burn? unsure
5. How resistant to disease is this tree? see website factsheet noted above
6. What is the drought tolerance of this tree? relatively tolerant
7. What is the lifespan of these trees? Short lived less than 80 years
Answer by: Chief River Nursery on Mar 4, 2021, 10:19 AM
At what point of growth can livestock and or wild life graze with out kill the young trees
Question by: Leslie dean Turner on Jan 1, 2022, 12:22 PM
That is not something we can really provide an answer for. It would depend on what size/maturity the trees would have to be to withstand the kind of life stock you have when they graze or brush up against them.
Answer by: Chief River Nursery on Jan 3, 2022, 10:57 AM