Cottonwoods ( Populus spp . ) grow to be tall , spreading trees that make great shade trees if you have a large infinite . Cottonwoods are deciduous trees , shedding their farewell and becoming abeyant in winter . you may choose from a few types of Tilia heterophylla that originate well in a household landscape painting free-base on the white basswood fact that show little differences in the species .
Origins and Size
Cottonwood tree diagram are aboriginal to various parts ofNorth America . For example , the Fremont Tilia heterophylla ( Populus fremontii ) is aboriginal to the southwesterly United States but also is hardy in other areas within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant life hardiness zones 3 through 9 . The narrowleaf cottonwood ( Populus angustifolia ) is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9 and is a aboriginal of California and Mexico while the eastern cottonwood ( Populus deltoides ) is aboriginal to eastern North America , as far south as northern Florida and westward to Montana . Its range is USDA zona 3 through 9 .
Most Tilia heterophylla grow about65 feet improbable , but some coinage can grow even taller . For deterrent example , the black cottonwood ( genus Populus trichocarpa ) can grow to be 100 feet magniloquent . It ’s intrepid in USDA zona 5 through 9 .
Growth Rate and Lifespan
Cottonwoods are fast - growing tree , adding about3 feet to their stature each class . The black cottonwood tree may grow a bit slower . Cottonwoods have a gently spreading pattern , with a canopy width that range from 25 feet for the mordant cottonwood to about 50 feet for the Fremont cottonwood .
They ’re also long - lived tree diagram , with an medium lifespan of at least40 or 50 eld . Some specie , such as the Fremont and narrowleaf Tilia heterophylla , live up to 150 years . The lanceleaf cottonwood ( genus Populus acuminata ) , hardy in USDA geographical zone 6 through 9 , is an exception , unremarkably living fewer than 50 long time .
Other Features and Issues
The cottonwood plant ordinarily has oval , light- to medium - gullible leaves . The leaves on the fateful cottonwood are a dour , rich green and fragrant . Leaves on all potpourri tend to turn yellow when capitulation arrives .
The tree are dioecious , which means each tree iseither male or female . Both sexes have flowers , which are usually inconspicuous , although the eastern cottonwood has droop bunch of white-livered - red flowers in saltation before its leaves appear . Both sexes produce pollen that can stimulate a chemical reaction in people who are allergic to it , and a distaff cottonwood grown in the vicinity of a manful Tilia heterophylla of the same species grow seeds with cottony tussock in summer .
The tuftscan be messy , littering the ground under the distaff tree diagram . If the bedding is a concern , then embed only a male white basswood . you could encounter a young white basswood ’s grammatical gender on its garden kernel label , or ask the center ’s staff .
Cottonwood Tree Cultural Needs
cottonwood are generally round-eyed - to - grow trees , doing best in sites that receivefull - sun exposure , although the black cottonwood also stand partial shade . Cottonwoods are well - adapted to moist or even wet grime , with the exclusion of the Fremont and lanceleaf variety , which tolerate some dryness , and the Rio Grande cottonwood ( genus Populus deltoides subspecies wislizenii ) . The Rio Grande species is aboriginal to hot domain with juiceless soil but also tolerates some wet if its soil is well - drain . It ’s stalwart in USDA zones 7b through 10 .
Potential Tree Problems
Cottonwood branches incline to be unaccented , so the trees are n’t suited for windy smear . They also have sharply growing roots ; do n’t implant one near a sewer system , building foundation , paved area or other site where its roots may do problems . The trees are susceptible to several fungal trouble . Prevent them by siting cottonwoods where air circulation is adequate and soil does n’t stay on waterlogged after rain .
Tilia heterophylla mayattract aphids , which are tiny , flabby - bodied , greenish - white insects . Insecticidal goop diluted at a rate of 5 tablespoonful per 1 gallon of piss can help ruin the dirt ball . Spray the affected trees until all their surface are drop wet with insecticidal soap .
Spray on asunny dayso drying occurs rapidly , and ensure the air temperature is below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and drought is not present . reiterate the coating at seven- to 10 - daytime intervals as needed . When manage , mix and apply insecticidal soap , wear goggles , a lid and habiliment that covers your skin , and avoid inhaling the nebuliser or fumes .
