Cottonwood Trees

Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is a fast-growing native tree that can pass 75 feet, and it takes flooded ground in stride. We ship cottonwood trees bare-root in 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 foot sizes, in packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500, for windbreaks, wet sites, wildlife plantings and large properties.

Cottonwood Tree Size, Zones and Sun

Cottonwood reaches 75 to 100 feet tall and 35 to 60 feet wide, and growth is rapid. It is hardy in zones 3-9 and needs full sun, because it does not grow well in shade. Clay, loam and sand all work, across a soil pH of 4.5 to 8.0. Moist, well-drained ground is the best match, though it handles occasional flooding and the occasional dry spell.

Cotton Seed and Wood

In summer the seed capsules split open and release small seeds wrapped in cottony tufts that travel on the wind, which is how the tree got its name. The wood is light and soft. It has gone into plywood, crates, baskets and pulpwood, including paper for magazines.

Cottonwood and Wildlife

Eastern tiger swallowtail and red-spotted purple caterpillars feed on the leaves. Birds, small mammals and pollinators use the tree, and beavers cut young trunks. Deer and rabbits browse young plantings, so protect them in the first years. Cottonwood suits the windbreak and privacy trees in our fall planting list.

Good to Know About Cottonwood Trees

Roots spread wide and can reach sewer lines and walkways, branches can drop in storms, and root suckers come up around the base. A cottonwood lives about 70 years. Plant it well away from buildings, septic fields and pavement. Our page on spacing big trees from a house gives distances.

Cottonwood Sizes, Packs and Shipping

Cottonwood trees ship bare-root in November, in 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 foot sizes and packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500. Volume pricing available. Browse more trees for sale in our wholesale collection.