Populus deltoides
Eastern Cottonwood

Mature Height: 80-190'     Longevity: 200 years

3-8 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

3-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: While the species does possess some drought tolerance its natural domain is clearly in moist areas around water. The tree needs abundant moisture to support its rapid growth.

8: Flood tolerance frequently listed as moderate. Frequently found in areas prone to flooding, but does not like frequent prolonged submergence. Saplings & seedlings are susceptible to flooding. Swamps not listed as common habitat.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Z4 in East but extends well into Z3 in central US & Canada. (SOUTH) Z8 in East but extends well into Z9 in TX.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) very little indication of presence in Z3. Solid Z4 (SOUTH) Solid Z8 w/ limited presence in Z9 in TX. PFG does not show full extent of range in central US.

9   Sun Strength

1   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

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8 = Very Rapid
+.7 = Pioneer Specialist
-.2 = 1 Major & 1 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
+.2 = 90'
+.2 = 190'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
1 = Very intolerant
-.4 = Pioneer Specialist
-.2 = 1 Major & 1 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
+.1 = 90'
-.1 = 175 years

TOTAL SCORE (9.1): Score befitting one of fastest growing trees in the eastern US.

TOTAL SCORE (0.6): Very intolerant to shade and rapidly phased out in succession on stable sites.

4   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: mid-high (Big Tree) = 4-5
Thickness of bark & bole length prevent the assignment of a 3. Fire serves as vector for disease to which tree is susceptible & tree typically not found in fire prone areas.
Final Value = 4

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Brittle weak wood, massive height & susceptibility to disease & pests prevent assignment of rating greater than 3.
Final Value = 3