Quick answer: Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) is native to 7 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 24 Oct 2026.
Photo: Amy Gaiennie, NPS, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
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 |
|---|---|
| Water | Wet |
| Soil | Riparian, moist |
| Bloom | Bloom Feb-Apr |
| Height | 40-80 ft |
| Wildlife value | Nesting birds, caterpillar host |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 24 Oct 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Fremont cottonwood
Where is Fremont cottonwood native?
Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) is native to Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Fremont cottonwood bloom?
Fremont cottonwood blooms Feb-Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Fremont cottonwood need?
Light: Sun. Water: Wet. Soil: Riparian, moist. Mature height: 40-80 ft.
Is Fremont cottonwood good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nesting birds, caterpillar host.
Is Fremont cottonwood deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Fremont cottonwood is handles wet soil.
Where can I buy Fremont cottonwood?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 24 Oct 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Populus fremontii by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Fremont cottonwood.
- Rocky Mountain iris Iris missouriensis
- Quaking aspen Populus tremuloides
- Gray alder Alnus incana
- Gambel oak Quercus gambelii
- Scarlet monkeyflower Erythranthe cardinalis
- Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens
Also listed under
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