Eastern Cottonwood - Populus deltoides Willow Family (Salicaceae)

This tree has an alternate leaf arrangement with 2 to 5 inch long, simple, triangle-shaped, deciduous leaves. These leaves have a toothed margin and an elongated tip.1

The tree has yellowish twigs, light to medium green, triangular shaped, coarsely toothed leaves, and gummy-ended buds that easily distinguish it from other species of poplar.2

It attracts some small mammals, birds, and butterflies. The seedlings and young trees are frequently browsed by deer and rabbits.2

References:
  1. Eastern cottonwood. The Morton Arboretum. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/eastern-cottonwood/#more-information. Publication Date. Accessed January 26, 2024.
  2. Populus deltoides. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/populus-deltoides/. No Publication Date. Accessed January 26, 2024.
  3. https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.68.196/9gs.cd0.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cottonwood-Tree.jpg
  4. https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/4350/large.jpg?1545349659
  5. https://www.pfw.edu/microsites/native-trees/images/trees/c-f/full/eastern-cottonwood-flower-original-01.jpg
  6. https://i.pinimg.com/736x/e2/23/2e/e2232ece51164156adcc30b64d21995f.jpg