Quick answer: Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is native to 42 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically tree, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Wil540 art, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Dry-Wet |
| Soil | Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, circumneutral pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Feb-Apr |
| Height | Up to 180 ft, often shorter |
| Wildlife value | Larval host for Mourning Cloak/Red-spotted Purple/Viceroy/Tiger Swallowtail, seeds for granivorous birds |
none noted formally; page notes roots can be invasive (infrastructure sense) and female trees produce nuisance cottony seed clouds
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Tree via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Eastern cottonwood
Where is Eastern cottonwood native?
Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is native to 42 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Eastern cottonwood bloom?
Eastern cottonwood blooms Feb-Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Eastern cottonwood need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: High water, Dry-Wet. Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, circumneutral pH. Mature height: Up to 180 ft, often shorter.
Is Eastern cottonwood good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Larval host for Mourning Cloak/Red-spotted Purple/Viceroy/Tiger Swallowtail, seeds for granivorous birds.
Is Eastern cottonwood deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Eastern cottonwood is drought-tolerant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Eastern cottonwood seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as tree that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Populus deltoides on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Eastern cottonwood.
- Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
Also listed under
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