Eastern Cottonwood 1 Small Seedling - Populus deltoides Carolina Poplar, Eastern Poplar, Bare Root Lived Plant No Pot

 pioneer tree that loves full sun and the open ground, Eastern cottonwood is uncommon in Ontario but can be found in Southern Ontario near the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

Growth of this tree is so rapid that maximum height can be attained in 15 years.

It is suitable for windbreak and shelter belts. Its leaves are high in protein and can be harvested as feed for cattle and chickens.

Warning: Eastern cottonwood is not suitable for city landscaping. Moisture-seeking roots often raise sidewalks and clog drainage pipes, and brittle branches litter the ground. 

It has soft wood, making it susceptible to wind and ice damage. It should not be planted near buildings. 

Hundredfold Notes:

My favorite spot in the woods is not near a noble sugar maple or red oak. It is under a humble cottonwood. At any time of the warm seasons, it is the meeting place for birds: cardinals, finches, warblers, and woodpeckers, you name it. One may sit for hours under the tree, enjoying the natural symphony of bird songs.  

I don't think cottonwoods are weed trees. They are bee trees, bird trees and healing trees. They reduce the stress and calm the spirit. To make things better, they are Canadian natives. Thus they can do all the good things native trees can do: prevent erosion, protect watersheds, and feed the wildlife.