// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Swamp cottonwood

Populus heterophylla

Swamp cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 40'–100'. Blooms Apr–Apr.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 23 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 40'–100'
Sun: Full sun
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: Apr–Apr
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Swamp cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) — *Populus heterophylla* — Swamp cottonwood. Photo by Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Swamp cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 40'–100'. Blooms Apr–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, swamp cottonwood pairs naturally with: American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica).