Eastern cottonwood, Carolina poplar
Populus deltoides
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A medium sized tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows to 30 m tall. The trunk is 100 cm across. The bark is dark has deep cracks. The crown is broad. The leaves are triangle shaped and 5-10 cm long. The leaf stalk is long and flat. There are 2 or 3 glands on the stalk. The leaf blade is dark green on top and paler underneath. The leaves are hairy when young. The flowers are of one sex and are in catkins. The female flowers can be 20 cm long.
There are about 35 Populus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in rich moist soils. It needs cool aerated soil. It suits wetter climates. It suits hardiness zones 2-10. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, East Africa, India, Korea, North America, Tasmania, USA, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The inner bark and sap are used for food. The catkins are eaten raw.
Edible parts
Bark, leaves, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed.
It is fast growing and short lived.
Its other names
Local names
Bagnu, Bahar, Baupeepal, Caroline poplar, Necklace Poplar