The bark is apparently fire-proof. Bark: The heartwood of this tree is deeper brown than that of Fremont cottonwood but the sapwood is white. Although it is a fast-growing shade tree, it is short-lived. It is native to eastern North America through the Midwest and Chicago region. The Cottonwood gets it's name from the "cotton" or seeds that look like cotton, produced in the spring. On older trees, the bark is thick, deeply furrowed, reddish brown. If your yearly temperatures average between 50 and 55 degrees F. (10-13 degrees C.), you might be able to grow swamp cottonwood trees. They are the tallest trees in the world, and can reach an age of over a thousand years. What kind of soil do swamp cottonwood trees prefer? The bark is apparently fire-proof. Cottonwood bark is often a favorite medium for artisans. Male cottonwoods have red flower spikes, called catkins, in spring while females produce yellow-green ones. Populus deltoides is a large tree growing to 20–60 m (65–195 ft) tall and with a trunk up to 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) diameter, one of the largest North American hardwood trees. This attractive tree, which grows from 50 to 75 feet tall, is found throughout the Great Plains in locations with moist, low ground. It splits poorly, because it is very fibrous. This makes areas near rivers, lakes, and marshes ideal for their growth, and don’t require much care to thrive. Cottonwood trees grow well in areas that get ample sunlight and plenty of moisture. The Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a large evergreen coniferous tree growing to 150-200 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 8 feet. Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), one of the largest eastern hardwoods, is short-lived but the fastest-growing commercial forest species in North America. The dangling leaves clatter in the wind. RE: Cottonwood Trees? Western Hemlock Trees. The lightweight, rather soft wood is used primarily for core stock in manufacturing furniture and for pulpwood. Three species of cottonwood tree are recognized in this genus, and these northern hemisphere natives can be found in a range of locations. The lightweight, rather soft wood is used primarily for core stock in manufacturing furniture and for pulpwood. Redwood trees are softwood. The cottonwood tree is indigenous to North America, where it is commonly seen growing along riverbanks and streams. I've heard cottonwood trees grow fast. Swamp cottonwood also requires an appropriate temperature range. The Black Cottonwood or Swamp Poplar grows primarily East of the Mississippi River in the USA, it grows in wet sites often submerged in flood plains and edges of swamps. They are best grown in soil that is sandy or silty in nature, with intermediate drainage capability. They are the tallest trees in the world, and can reach an age of over a thousand years. The bark is silvery-white, smooth or lightly fissured when young, becoming dark gray and deeply fissured on old trees. It grows best on moist well-drained sands or silts near streams, often in pure stands. If you know the answer to this question, please register to join our limited beta program and start the conversation right now! Deciduous trees are uncommon in the temperate rain forests of Alaska, and are represented mainly by red alder and black cottonwood. Rio Grande Cottonwood Tree. Cottonwood is one of the poorest wood fuels; it does not dry well, and rots quickly. Redwood trees are softwood. We live in Texas and just moved into a new home with no trees. Borrowing the Spanish word for 'cottonwood,' the Mission San Antonio de Valero is commonly known as 'The Alamo' because of the presence of nearby cottonwood trees. A cottonwood tree is a tree in the genus Populus. Where do cottonwood trees live? Trees can out-grow a small yard in no time at all, see photos. Cottonwood trees grow at a fast speed. Due to its large size, weak wood, and penetrating roots, it is best used on large properties away from residential areas. Rio Grande Cottonwood Leaves. They most often grow on the heavy clay soil, but they do best in deep, moist soils. Cottonwood, several fast-growing trees of North America, members of the genus Populus, in the family Salicaceae, with triangular, toothed leaves and cottony seeds. It is easy to recognize in the summer when the female cottonwood tree dispenses seeds attached to white fiber type fluffs that resembles cotton. Growing to a height of 100 feet with grooved, gray bark, cottonwood trees (Populus spp.) Eastern cottonwood (P. deltoides), nearly 30 metres (100 feet) tall, has thick glossy leaves.