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| Populus deltoides
Eastern cottonwoodCulture: Culture: Eastern cottonwood is usually considered an undesirable species because it is weak wooded and messy, dropping leaves, flowers, fruits and twigs. In the high plains, it is a valued species because of its fast growth, cold hardiness and cultural adaptability to wet or dry conditions, variable soil pH and tolerance of salt and air pollution and wind. It should be grown in full sun. When young, this species puts on a tremendous amount of growth in the early years, at least several feet per year, leading to its frequent use. Plant structure begins to break down after about 50-75 years. Its tolerance of rapid changes in winter temperature is important to its survival in the high plains. The fruit mess has led to the banning of this species, or at least the females, in urban areas. Large numbers of often unwanted seedlings result from female trees. A variety of canker diseases, poplar canker, Cytospora canker and Fusarium canker, can seriously affect this species, causing branch dieback and excessive twig litter. The species is also weak wooded, further contributing to its demise. Usage: This species should be reserved for shade tree use in the far northern part of its range and in the plains, where its ability to survive makes it an important species. In warmer climates, resist the temptation to take advantage of its fast growth rate. It can be useful as a temporary screen or windbreak while slower growing plantings take their time getting up to size. In the end you have to be courageous and take the saw to the temporary planting before they become a landscape liability. The water-seeking root systems of this species should be kept away from sanitary tile lines and septic systems. |
