Eastern Cottonwood
Populus deltoides · Salicaceae (Willow and Poplar family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Deltoid (triangular) to broadly ovate with an acute to acuminate tip and a truncate to slightly cordate base
Margin
Crenate-serrate, featuring rounded to slightly pointed teeth along the edge
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig, featuring a long, flattened petiole
Venation
Pinnate to somewhat palmate venation with a prominent pale yellowish-white midrib and branching secondary veins radiating outward
Key Features
Deltoid (triangular) leaf shape, coarse crenate-serrate margins, long flattened petiole often reddish in color, and prominent pale venation
Description
The Eastern Cottonwood is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its massive trunk, open crown of spreading branches, and characteristic triangular leaves that rustle softly in the breeze due to their flattened stems. In spring, it produces catkins before leafing out, and in late spring, female trees release masses of cottony seeds.
Habitat
Typically found in moist soils along rivers, streams, floodplains, and wetland edges; thrives in full sun and wet to damp conditions
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, extending from southern Canada down through the United States to northeastern Mexico