USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone

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Perhaps the fastest growing of all North American native trees, the Cottonwood typically adds 3 feet or more to its height per year. It forms an upright round to rounded vase-shaped tree 50 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 60 feet wide with attractive heart-shaped light to medium green leaves that are almost always in motion, no matter how still the air. The foliage contrasts beautifully with the grey-green bark that becomes ash gray and deeply furrowed on older trees. Though moderately drought tolerant when established, the Cottonwood prefers and thrives its best in a consistently moist site. Both the Native Americans and settlers who spotted a cottonwood on the horizon knew that it likely indicated water. As with other fast growing trees, such as weeping willow and river birch, the roots of the Eastern Cottonwood seek water, so we don't suggest planting it within 70 feet of septic lines or close to the home. Its size makes it a good choice for large open spaces or on the edges of sunny woodland border, lakes, creeks or other bodies of water.

The Eastern Cottonwood tree has a high wildlife value that supports many small mammal and bird species. If you name an animal in the central United States that nests in trees, dens in holes in trees, or sleeps in trees, it uses cottonwoods. Over 40 vertebrate species including bats, large and small birds such as owls, opossums, squirrels and raccoons use the tree. Eagles nest high in cottonwoods and wild turkeys roost in their branches. It is a host to butterflies such as the Tiger Swallowtail and bees and other insects rely on them.

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