EASTERN COTTONWOOD - Populus deltoides, Bartr.
COTTONWOOD IS OUR fastest growing native tree. It is a member of the poplars and is widely distributed over Missouri along rivers and streams. It will not tolerate shade and can often be seen growing in pure stands on flood land. Because of its rapid growth and excellent quality many landowners are establishing cottonwood plantations. Cuttings made from cottonwood twigs will take root when they are planted in moist soils. Cottonwood shares this characteristic with the willows. Swamp cottonwood (Populus heterophylla), is also native to Missouri. Cottonwood gets its name from cotton-like fluff in which the seed is enclosed.
These seeds are released from little pods hanging in long clusters. They are widely scattered by the wind, often accumulating in drifts. Near homes these can be a nuisance. Male or female flowers occur on separate trees. For ornamental uses only male trees should be planted. Flowers bloom just before the leaves come out. Yellowish-green, drooping clusters (aments) of flowers mark the female tree. Male blossom aments are a rusty red. Long, sharply pointed terminal buds, covered with a rosin or wax-like substance, help identify the twigs.
A part of the Latin name of cottonwood describes the leaf shape, deltoide or triangular shaped. Leaves are alternate in arrangement and borne on long, flattened petioles. In the slightest breeze, the leaves move from side to side. The base of the leaf is flat to broadly rounded. the edge or margin has rounded teeth and its thick and shiny above and pale beneath.
Cottonwood is one of the more valuable commercial timber trees in Missouri. Under good conditions, a cottonwood tree will grow 50 feet high and 8 inches in diameter in as little as six years. The wood is light in weight but strong. It is odorless, white and tasteless. We use this wood often without knowing it. Kite sticks, ice cream sticks, basket, soda pop cases, strawberry boxes, wire bound boxes, excelsior and pulp and paper are only some of the products for which it is used. More veneer (thin slices of wood) is made from this species than any other tree in our state.
