Populus heterophylla ~ Swamp Cottonwood
Populus heterophylla ~ Swamp Cottonwood
Populus heterophylla ~ Swamp Cottonwood

Swamp Cottonwood

Populus heterophylla

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Title
  • Locally Grown
We currently do NOT ship to California & Oregon.

A bare-root seedling is a young plant that is sold and
transported without soil or a container, only during the dormant season. These
seedlings are usually shipped without any soil or potting medium around them.
They are a common way to establish trees and shrubs. Here are some key
characteristics of bare-root seedlings:

No Soil or Container: As the name suggests, bare-root
seedlings are devoid of soil or any form of potting medium. The roots of the
plant are without soil and are typically wrapped in a plastic liner to prevent
them from drying out during transportation.

Dormant Season: Bare-root seedlings are typically available
and shipped during the plant's dormant season, which is usually in late fall through
winter. This is when the plant is not actively growing, making it easier to
handle and transport.

Easy Handling: Because they lack soil and containers,
bare-root seedlings are lightweight and easy to handle. This also allows them
to be shipped using UPS and FedEx ground services.

Planting a bare-root seedling is a straightforward process
if you follow the right steps. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant a
bare-root seedling:

Materials Needed:

  • Bare-root seedling
  • Shovel or spade
  • Watering can or hose
  • Organic compost (optional)
  • Mulch (optional)

Steps:

Prepare the Site: Choose a suitable planting location making
sure the area is free from weeds and debris.

Dig a Hole: Use a shovel or spade to dig a hole that is wide
enough to accommodate the spread-out roots of the seedling and deep enough to
allow the roots to be positioned at their natural depth. The exact dimensions
of the hole will depend on the size of the root system, but a typical depth for
most bare-root seedlings is about as deep as the roots and wide enough to allow
for proper root spreading.

Soak the Roots: Before planting, it's a good idea to soak
the bare-root seedling's roots in a bucket of water for a few hours. This will
help rehydrate the roots and reduce transplant shock.

Position the Seedling: Place the seedling in the center of
the hole, ensuring that the roots are spread out and not bent or cramped. The
crown (the point where the stem meets the roots) should be at or slightly above
ground level.

Fill the Hole: Backfill the hole with soil, packing it gently
as you go to eliminate air pockets. Ensure that the soil is in contact with the
roots. If you have improved your soil with organic compost, you can mix some of
it with the backfill soil.

Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the seedling
thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots. Keep the soil
consistently moist in the weeks following planting, but avoid overwatering, as
this can lead to root rot.

Apply Mulch (Optional): To conserve moisture and control
weeds, you can apply a layer of mulch around the base of the seedling. However,
be sure to keep the mulch away from the stem to prevent moisture-related
issues.

Stake If Necessary: If your seedling is tall and likely to
be top-heavy or subjected to strong winds, you can stake it to provide support.
Use soft ties to secure the tree to the stake, allowing some flexibility for
natural movement.

Monitor and Care: Regularly monitor the newly planted
seedling for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. Keep up with
a consistent watering schedule and consider adding fertilizer or nutrients as
needed based on soil tests and plant requirements.

Protection: If planting during the winter, consider
protecting the seedling with a winter wrap or tree guard to shield it from
harsh weather.

 

The Swamp Cottonwood, scientifically known as Populus heterophylla, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. Here's some information about the Swamp Cottonwood:

  1. Appearance: The Swamp Cottonwood is a medium to large-sized tree that can reach heights of 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters). It has a straight trunk and a broad, open crown. The leaves are triangular or heart-shaped, with serrated edges and a glossy green color. In the fall, they turn yellow before dropping.

  2. Habitat: As the name suggests, the Swamp Cottonwood is typically found in wetland areas such as swamps, floodplains, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate periodic flooding.

  3. Tolerance: This tree is well-adapted to wet environments and can withstand periods of standing water. It is also relatively tolerant of various soil types, including clay and sandy soils.

Type: 

Tree

Origins:

Southeast N. America; GA Native

Height: 

60' - 100'

Spread: 

30' - 50’

Spacing: 

40’

USDA Hardiness Zone: 

5 - 9

Culture: 

Full Sun

Bloom Color: 

White

Season of Interest: 

Fall, Year-Round

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Medium Maintenance.  Susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including cankers, leaf spots, and cottonwood borers. It's also worth noting that the cottony seeds can be a nuisance in residential areas.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, BordersWoodland Gardens, Wildlife Garden, Naturalized Areas, and Shade Tree.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Iris, Buttonbush, Passumhaw

IMAGES: Kristine Paulus from New York, United States,  Populus heterophylla seedsCC BY 2.0, (2)  Payton Chung from DCA, USA,  Populus heterophylla foliage, East Potomac ParkCC BY 2.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.

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