Eastern Cottonwood is the largest native hardwood of the Great Plains and one of the fastest-growing trees in North America, sometimes exceeding 6 feet of height growth per year. Its cottony seeds fill the air in June. It is a keystone riparian tree providing nesting for great blue herons, bald eagles, and many cavity-nesting birds.
Best time to see a Eastern Cottonwood
The best time to see a Eastern Cottonwood is March–August, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 43,482 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Eastern Cottonwood? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Eastern Cottonwood sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an Eastern Cottonwood?
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