Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

40-60', 60-100', 100' and up

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Light Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

Ranch, Wetlands, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

Narrowleaf cottonwood is a fast growing, single stemmed tree with upright branches that form a narrow, though spreading crown. The yellowish green young bark turns grayish brown, rough and somewhat furrowed with age. Leaves are narrow and willow-like, dark green above, and paler below, with finely toothed margins, turning a dull yellow in the fall. Flowers appear in May in the form of catkins, female and male on separate plants. Grows 50 to 65 feet tall and 50 to 60 feet wide. A Utah native. A good choice for riparian corridor areas.

Grow in full sun in moist to wet well-drained soil. Tolerates periodical flooding. Excellent for erosion control near streams, though not ideal near homes, as the aggressively spreading root system will find water lines, septic systems, and drain fields. Narrow-leaved cottonwood provides habitat, cover, and food for a diversity of wildlife including birds, small mammals, deer and moose.