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Description
Populus Suaveolens Subsp. Suaveolens, commonly known as the Eastern Cottonwood, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Salicaceae. It is native to North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and a trunk diameter of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters). The Eastern Cottonwood is a popular shade tree and is often used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Populus |
Appearance
The Eastern Cottonwood has a broad and open crown with a few large branches that spread out in all directions. Its leaves are triangular in shape and have a pointed tip. They are light green in color and have a glossy surface. The Eastern Cottonwood flowers in the spring, producing male and female catkins that grow on separate trees. The male catkins are reddish in color and can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, while the female catkins are greenish and smaller.
Care Guide
To care for an Eastern Cottonwood, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to plant it in the appropriate hardiness zone.Water: The Eastern Cottonwood requires regular watering, particularly during the first few years of growth. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate occasional drought.Fertilization: The Eastern Cottonwood benefits from regular fertilization, particularly during its first few years of growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.Soil: The Eastern Cottonwood prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sand, clay, and loam.Sunlight: The Eastern Cottonwood requires full sun exposure to thrive.Hardiness Zones: The Eastern Cottonwood can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Eastern Cottonwood is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:Pests:- Cottonwood borer- Eastern tent caterpillar- Gypsy moth- Leaf beetle- Poplar borer- ScalesDiseases:- Canker- Leaf spot- Powdery mildew- Rust- Verticillium wilt
Habitat
The Eastern Cottonwood is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central regions. It grows in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, floodplains, and wetlands. It prefers moist soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Eastern Cottonwood tolerate drought?
A: While the Eastern Cottonwood prefers moist soil, it can tolerate occasional drought once it is established.
Q: Is the Eastern Cottonwood a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the Eastern Cottonwood is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 100 feet (30 meters) in just a few years.
Q: What type of soil does the Eastern Cottonwood prefer?
A: The Eastern Cottonwood prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sand, clay, and loam.
Q: Is the Eastern Cottonwood susceptible to any pests or diseases?
A: Yes, the Eastern Cottonwood is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including canker, leaf spot, and scales.
Related Plants
– Populus alba (White Poplar)- Populus tremula (European Aspen)- Populus nigra (Black Poplar)- Populus deltoides (Eastern Cottonwood)
References
– “Populus Suaveolens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287261.- “Populus Suaveolens Subsp. Suaveolens.” Plant Finder. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77162344-1.
