Eastern Cottonwood

trees · north-america · fast-growing

Massive and speedy. Eastern cottonwoods are among the fastest-growing trees in North America, shooting up so quickly that they can reach full size in just 20 to 30 years. They tower over 100 feet tall, which is taller than a ten-story building.

Heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are shaped like little hearts with flat stems, which is why the scientific name "deltoides" comes from the Greek letter delta, which looks like a triangle. When the wind blows, the flat stems make the leaves flutter and quiver like they are dancing.

Cottony seeds. Female trees produce thousands of silky, white, fluffy seeds that look like cotton candy or snow. These seeds drift on the wind for miles and miles, which is how new cottonwoods spread across the landscape.

Spread across the continent. You can find eastern cottonwoods growing naturally from Canada down through most of the United States and into Mexico, especially near rivers, streams, and wet areas where their roots can drink plenty of water.

Home for wildlife. Beavers, deer, and birds all depend on cottonwoods for food, shelter, and homes, and the tree's soft wood is especially loved by beavers who use it to build their dams.