Common Name(s): | Cottonwood |
Scientific Name: | Populus deltoides |
Family: | Salicaceae |
Growth Traits: | Native, perennial, warm season |
Description: A large deciduous tree that can grow as high as 100 feet. Trunks can reach 8 feet in diameter. The leaves are triangular-shaped, alternate, simple and 3 to 7 inches long with toothed margins. Cottonwood is a fast growing but often short-lived tree. It is one of the first woody species in a disturbed moist soil area. Seeds must germinate
on wet, bare soil. Like other members of the willow family, the inner bark has been used as a pain and fever reliever, and an anti-inflammatory. The buds, twigs and foliage are eaten by many wildlife species. It is also considered important for turkey roosts and raptor nests. It is a host to many species of butterfly larvae. |
Chemical Control Options: Triclopyr or glyphosate. |
Mechanical Control Options: Cutting is only temporarily effective due to regrowth from root buds. |
Biological Control Options: There is not a good biological control option. |