Visit us:
19250 S Ellsworth Rd
Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Instagram Facebook Pinterest
Desert Horizon Nursery logo
Cottonwood – Desert Horizon Nursery

Cottonwood

Populus fremontii
Categories:
Trees  ·  
Shade Trees
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.
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
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.