Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera
Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) (Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50 to 70 ft tall and 40 to 60 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Too big for small yards; Choose male cultivar.
Colorado nativemedium water50 to 70 ft tall and 40 to 60 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CK2AZ
- Photo 2: (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CK2AZ
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- medium 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 70 ft tall and 40 to 60 ft wide
- Mature form
- Spreading
- Spacing / clearance
- ~60 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
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- riparian, shortgrass prairie
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
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 Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) get?
- It matures to about 50 to 70 ft tall and 40 to 60 ft wide.
- How much room does Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) need?
- Give Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) about 60 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) grow into?
- Plains 'Jeronimus' 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 Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) hardy on the Front Range?
- Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) grow?
- Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) live?
- Plains 'Jeronimus' 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 Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) turn in fall?
- Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Plains 'Jeronimus' 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.
Find Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood) near you
See also
Related trees
Narrowleaf Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus angustifolia
Eastern Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus deltoides
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