// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Plains cottonwood

Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera

Plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–10a. Mature size 72'–180'. Blooms Feb–Apr.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 44 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–10a
Mature size: 72'–180'
Sun: Part shade
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: Feb–Apr
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera) — *Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera* — Plains cottonwood. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–10a. Mature size 72'–180'. Blooms Feb–Apr.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, plains cottonwood pairs naturally with: Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Box elder (Acer negundo), Boxelder (Acer negundo var. interius), Boxelder (Acer negundo var. negundo).