Lance-Leaved Cottonwood
Populus acuminata
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Lance-Leaved Cottonwood (Populus acuminata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
360"–720" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CO, MT, ND and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Narrowleaf cottonwood is a fast-growing native tree that reaches 30-60 feet tall with a broad, spreading canopy. It produces catkins in spring before the leaves emerge and thrives in areas with consistent moisture. The heart-shaped leaves turn golden yellow in fall before dropping.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lance-Leaved Cottonwood takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large size unsuitable for most residential lots
- Produces copious cotton-like seeds that create mess
- Aggressive root system can damage foundations and utilities
Wildlife value
Spring catkins provide early nectar for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. The large canopy offers nesting sites and shelter for birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lance-Leaved Cottonwood need?
- Lance-Leaved Cottonwood grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Lance-Leaved Cottonwood bloom?
- Lance-Leaved Cottonwood blooms in April and May.
- Where is Lance-Leaved Cottonwood native?
- Lance-Leaved Cottonwood (Populus acuminata) is native to AZ, CO, MT, ND and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Lance-Leaved Cottonwood attract?
- Lance-Leaved Cottonwood draws bees and beetles.
- Is Lance-Leaved Cottonwood HOA-friendly?
- Lance-Leaved Cottonwood takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Lance-Leaved Cottonwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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