Origin
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides, commonly known as the Eastern cottonwood or Necklace poplar, is a fast-growing deciduous tree that is native to North America. It is widely distributed throughout the eastern and central regions of the United States, ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes and from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains.
Common Names
Eastern cottonwood is known by several other common names, including Necklace poplar, Eastern poplar, Alamo cottonwood, Carolina cottonwood, and river cottonwood.
Uses
The Eastern cottonwood tree has been historically used for several purposes by Native American tribes in North America, such as making baskets, canoes, and drums. The tree's soft wood is also used for making pulp and paper. Due to its fast-growing nature, it has been used for reforestation and erosion control in several areas. Eastern cottonwood tree is also popular for landscaping and shade purposes.
General Appearance
The Eastern cottonwood tree typically grows to a height of 65-100 feet with a spread of 40-80 feet. The leaves are large, triangular, and shiny green with serrated edges. The bark is grayish-white and becomes rough as the tree ages. Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees, and the fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds that are surrounded by cotton-like hairs, which aid in their dispersal by wind. Eastern cottonwood trees grow best in moist soils and can withstand periodic flooding.
Light Requirements
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides typically requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but extended periods of shade can negatively impact growth and development. In areas with hot summers, some partial shade during the hottest parts of the day can be beneficial.
Temperature Requirements
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides is a hardy tree species that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 18-24°C (64-75°F) during the growing season. Spring and fall are the ideal times for planting as temperatures are mild, and the soil is usually moist.
Soil Requirements
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides grows best in moist, well-drained soils. The soil should be loamy, with a pH between 6.0 to 8.5. It can tolerate various soil types, including clay, sandy, and silty soils. The tree species is drought-tolerant but prefers to grow in areas with sufficient water availability.
Cultivation Methods of Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides
The Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that requires a lot of space to grow. It is best to grow it in an area that has full sunlight to partial shade. The soil should be well-draining and moist. The plant tolerates a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sand.
When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and fill it up with soil, pressing down on it firmly. Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting.
Watering Needs of Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides
Proper watering is essential to keep the Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides healthy and growing. The plant requires regular watering during the first few years of growth. Once established, the plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it is still important to water it regularly in prolonged dry periods.
The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is recommended to water deeply, at least once a week, instead of shallow watering.
Fertilization of Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and growth. The plant is a heavy feeder and requires a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant in the spring before the first flush of growth and again in late summer.
An alternative to chemical fertilizers is organic fertilizers, which are less harsh on the environment and provide slow-release nutrients to the plant. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, which can lead to nutrient burn on the foliage.
Pruning of Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides requires minimal pruning, but it is important to remove diseased, damaged, or dead branches as soon as possible. Regular pruning will help maintain the plant's shape and structure.
Pruning is best done during the winter dormancy period when the plant is not actively growing. Use sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts without tearing the bark. Avoid pruning during the growing season, as this can lead to a loss of sap and weaken the plant.
Propagation of Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides, also known as Eastern Cottonwood or Plains Cottonwood, can be propagated through several methods:
Cuttings
One of the most used methods to propagate P. deltoides is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in winter when the tree is dormant. The cutting should have a length of approximately 25 to 30 cm and a diameter of around 1 cm, with at least 3-4 buds. Once the cutting is collected, dip the base into rooting hormone and plant it in rooting soil. During the rooting process, ensure that the soil is moist, and the humidity is kept high.
Seeds
P. deltoides can be propagated through seeds. Collect the mature seeds from the tree during fall and store them in a cool and dry place. Seeds need to go through a stratification period for approximately 90 to 120 days before being able to germinate. During this time, the seeds should be stored in a moist environment at a temperature of around 1 to 5 °C. Once the stratification period is over, the seeds are ready to be sown. Place them into trays filled with moist soils, and cover with a thin layer of soil. The trays should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the seeds germinate.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used to propagate P. deltoides. Whip and tongue grafting works the best with this species. Collect a scion from the desired tree, making sure it has a diameter similar to that of the rootstock. Then, make a diagonal cut on the stem's base, creating a V-shaped cut. Repeat the process on the rootstock, being sure to make the cuts match precisely. Join the two cuts together while aligning the cambium layers. Ensure a tight fit and cover the grafted plant with parafilm. Wait for the plant to take and remove the parafilm once it has, providing a little extra care until the plant is established.
Disease Management
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including:
- Cytospora canker: This fungal disease causes sunken cankers to form on the tree trunk and branches. It can lead to tree death if left untreated.
- Leaf spot: Several fungal pathogens can cause leaf spot, which leads to yellowing, spotting, and premature drop of leaves. This can weaken the tree over time.
- Rust: Rust is caused by fungi and causes yellow or brown spots on leaves. It can also cause stunted growth and premature leaf drop.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the tree healthy and well-pruned. Remove any dead or diseased branches and improve air circulation around the tree to reduce fungal growth. Fungal sprays may also provide control, but it is important to use a product that is labeled for the specific disease and follow label instructions carefully.
Pest Management
Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides can also be affected by a number of pests, including:
- Poplar borer: The larvae of this beetle can cause significant damage by tunneling beneath the bark. Infested trees may show signs of dieback, and the affected area may have sawdust-like frass at the base of the tree.
- Tent caterpillars: These caterpillars can quickly defoliate a tree by feeding on the leaves. Infested trees may be weakened and more susceptible to disease.
- Leaf miners: Several species of leaf miner can affect Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. ssp. deltoides, causing leaf discoloration and premature leaf drop.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the tree regularly and take action at the first sign of infestation. Removing and destroying affected branches can help control some pests, while insecticidal sprays may be needed to control others. Again, always follow label instructions carefully when using pesticides.
