Eastern Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus deltoides
Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) (Populus deltoides) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50 to 80 ft tall and 40 to 70 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun. Too big for small yards; Choose male cultivar.
medium to high water50 to 80 ft tall and 40 to 70 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: "Populus deltoides monilifera 21329041" by Eric Watts is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Photo 2: "Populus deltoides 569612813" by Sam Kieschnick is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Photo 3: "Populus deltoides monilifera USDA" by Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service is licensed under CC BY 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/deed.en/.
- Photo 4: "Populus deltoides" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 5: "Populus deltoides" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: Laurent Bélanger
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2 to 9
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 50 to 80 ft tall and 40 to 70 ft wide
- Mature form
- Spreading
- Spacing / clearance
- ~70 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Gold, yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Weak WoodBrittle wood that heavy spring snow and wind like to snap, so prune for strong structure and keep it clear of roofs, wires, and drives.
- Watch: Short LivedFast but not forever; this one runs short lived here, so enjoy it and plan a successor rather than treating it as a legacy tree.
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Cytospora canker
- Poplar and aspen borers
- Leaf spot and rust in wet springs
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) get?
- It matures to about 50 to 80 ft tall and 40 to 70 ft wide.
- How much room does Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) need?
- Give Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) about 70 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) grow into?
- Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) typically grows into a wide, spreading habit, broader than it is tall, give it room and keep it back from buildings. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) hardy on the Front Range?
- Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) is hardy in USDA 2 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) grow?
- Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) live?
- Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) turn in fall?
- Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) can be affected by cytospora canker and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
Track Eastern Poplar (cottonwood) prices
See also
Related trees
Narrowleaf Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus angustifolia
Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera
Upright European Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremula 'Erecta'
Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremuloides
PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremuloides
Lanceleaf Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus x acuminata