Populus heterophylla, commonly known as Swamp Cottonwood, is a deciduous tree native to riparian zones, swamps, and wetlands in the Eastern United States. It can reach a height of 50 to 100 feet at maturity with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. The tree’s bark is light to medium grey and coarsely furrowed, providing textural interest. Swamp Cottonwood is distinguished by its broad, open crown and large, triangular leaves that flutter in the breeze. The tree produces inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated in April, followed by cottony seeds that disperse in May and June.

Swamp Cottonwood is not commonly used in cultivation due to its high water requirements and the availability of more desirable Populus species such as Populus deltoides. However, it can be valuable for restoration projects in wetland areas and for creating wildlife habitats. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium to slow drainage. While it does not have significant commercial value, it can contribute to the ecological diversity of naturalized areas.CC BY-SA 4.0