PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood)

Frequently asked questions

Is PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.

Why is PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?

The main catches here: Aspen is a mountain native; down on the plains it is heat, sunscald, and borers that hurt it, not winter cold, so this is an elevation mismatch.

How big does PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) get?

It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.

How much room does PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) need?

Give PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.

What shape does PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) grow into?

PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.

Is PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) hardy on the Front Range?

PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) is hardy in USDA 1–6. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Aspen is a mountain native; down on the plains it is heat, sunscald, and borers that hurt it, not winter cold, so this is an elevation mismatch.

How much water does PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) need?

It needs medium water once established.

How fast does PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) grow?

PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

How long does PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) live?

PRAIRIE GOLD® 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 PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) turn in fall?

PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.

Is PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

Is PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) deer-resistant?

PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

Is PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) a good firewise plant near the house?

PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.

Is PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?

PRAIRIE GOLD® 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.