Cottonwood

Populus fremontii

Light

Water

High water use. Irrigate deeply across a broad root zone and maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during Phoenix summers. Established trees need supplemental irrigation unless roots reach reliable groundwater.

Size

40-80 ft tall × 30-50 ft wide

Habit

Upright tree – single-trunk – spreading canopy

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Description

A large, fast-growing shade tree with triangular leaves, deeply furrowed bark, and golden fall color. Eastern cottonwood requires abundant moisture and ample space in Phoenix; it is not a low-water desert tree.

Bloom Time

Spring

Deciduous / Evergreen

Deciduous

Special Features

Attracts Birds, Fall Color, Fast Growing

Growth Rate

Fast

Growth Habit

Upright tree – single-trunk – spreading canopy

Mature Size

40-80 ft tall × 30-50 ft wide

Flower Color

Greenish-yellow

Foliage Color

Green; yellow in fall

Landscape Use

Desert / Xeriscape, Poolside

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Moist Soil, Sandy / Rocky

Companion Plants

Arizona ash, Deergrass, Goodding's willow, Moisture-supported landscapes, Saltgrass

Non-toxic

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun.

Water: High water use. Irrigate deeply across a broad root zone and maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during Phoenix summers. Established trees need supplemental irrigation unless roots reach reliable groundwater.

Soil: Deep, moist sandy loam or loam preferred; tolerates heavier soils and periodic flooding. Avoid highly saline soil and small, compacted planting areas.

Mature size: 60–100 feet tall and 40–70 feet wide; potentially larger with abundant water and favorable conditions.

Bloom: Late winter to early spring, before leaves emerge.

Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.

Growth rate: Fast; often 3–6 feet per year when young with sufficient moisture.