Salicaceae :Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera
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Family Name
Salicaceae
Common Name
Plains cottonwood
Native American Name
Lakota: čhaŋyáȟ’u,
Description
Populus deltoides is a large tree up to 40 m in height with a truck up to 2 m diameter at breast height, often branching near the base, ascending at a moderate angle and forming a very broad crown. The youn stens are olive brown to orangish, becoming grayish tan as they age, the main trunk and larger branches have tan bark the is deeply furrowed. The winter buds are brown, ovoid, resinous and large, 1-2 cm long. The simple, alternate, deciduous leaves are deltoid, 4-14 cm long, 4-15 cm wide, light green with rounded teeth and a pointed end. The petioles are long (3-13 cm) and laterally compressed. The trees are dioecious, the male trees producing staminate catkins 5-13 cm long with flowers containing up to 80 stamens. The female (pistilate) catkins are about the same length at flowering but elongating in fruit. The flowers contain a single pistil that forms an elliptic-ovoid, 3-4 valved capsule about 1 cm long containing 7-10 cottony seeds. Plains cottonwoods bloom in March into June, releasing seeds in June and July. Primarily riparian, the trees are found along streams, lakes and other moist areas throughout South Dakota.
Horticulture Notes
Seed collection: Seeds released in June and July can easily be collected. Dry seeds should be stored in a freezer.
Germination: The seeds are ready to germinate when released. Direct sowing or planting them in pots and keeping them moist will provide seedlings in the first year.
Vegetative Propagation: Division of root crowns and suckers.
Light: Full sun.
Soils: Sands to silts.
Water: Cottonwoods transpire large amounts of water and need a very moist location.
Additional Notes
Cottonwoods make striking specimen trees and will develop into large grove by root sprouts and seed germination. They are the largest of the native trees. Cottonwoods are not always appreciated in urban plantings as they can release enough seed that driveways and walks need to be shoveled.