Eastern Cottonwood (also known as Necklace Poplar, Plains Cottonwood)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Malpighiales, Family: Salicaceae, Genus: Populus, Species: Populus deltoides · Salicaceae (Willow family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Populus deltoides
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Salicaceae (Willow family)
Shape
Deltoid (triangular) to broadly ovate
Size
Approximately 4 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, which is typical for this species. Adults typically range from 3 to 5 inches.
Margin
Crenate-serrate (rounded to slightly pointed teeth along the edge)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler green beneath with prominent yellowish veins. Turns a bright, golden yellow in autumn.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a strong, prominent midrib and distinct lateral veins radiating outwards, showing slight palmately-influenced branching near the base.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) on both surfaces with a slightly leathery to firm texture and a flattened petiole.
Description
The Eastern Cottonwood is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its massive trunk, open spreading crown, and coarse furrowed bark. Its triangular leaves dance and rustle dramatically in the slightest breeze due to their flattened petioles. In spring, the tree produces dangling catkins, followed by female trees releasing cottony seeds in early summer.
Key Features
Triangular (deltoid) leaf shape with flattened petioles, coarse rounded teeth on margins, deeply furrowed gray bark on mature trees, and rapid growth rate.
Habitat
Found primarily along streams, rivers, floodplains, and damp lowland areas, preferring moist, rich alluvial soils and full sun exposure.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern, central, and southwestern North America, ranging from southern Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico, widely planted in urban and rural landscapes.
Condition Notes
The leaf is in Good condition, showing a healthy mature summer green color with minor natural wear and a tiny insect nibble near the margin, but otherwise structurally intact and free of major disease.
Interesting Facts
The flattened petiole causes the leaves to flutter in the wind, creating a distinctive rustling sound. Female trees produce copious amounts of cotton-like seeds that drift on the wind in late spring, carpeting the ground like snow.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used by Native Americans for medicinal teas, cordage, and carving. Widely used today for pulpwood, low-grade lumber, plywood, and as a fast-growing shade tree in windbreaks and restoration projects.
Ecological Role
Provides vital nesting habitat and food for birds, mammals, and insects. Beaver frequently feed on the bark and branches. They play an important role in stabilizing riverbanks and preventing soil erosion.
Similar Species
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera). Quaking aspens have smaller, more rounded leaves with finely serrated margins, whereas cottonwoods have distinctly triangular leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look near water sources, riversides, and disturbed wet soils. Examine the ground for fallen leaves in autumn or look up for the broad, open crown and deeply furrowed bark characteristic of mature specimens.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic.toxic.toxic. No significant toxicity reported for humans or animals, though the buds and bark contain salicin which can cause mild digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.