Cottonwood (Eastern Cottonwood)

This is the largest of the North American poplar trees. Ohio's largest example, 139 feet tall with a diameter of more than 8 feet, grows in Medina County. The tree's large, broadly triangular leaves are from 3 to 6 inches long, and nearly as wide. Although the Eastern Cottonwood typically grows on the moist soils of stream bottoms, swamps and lake shores, it can grow well on dry soil. Also, unlike most trees, it can survive long periods partial flooding. This tree is widespread and common in Ohio. The wood is soft, light and weak. Its use mainly is for rough construction and wood pulp. A related tree, the Swamp Cottonwood, is found in a few parts of Ohio.