Mountain Cottonwood
Populus angustifolia
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Mountain Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Mountain Cottonwood as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
360"–720" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, MT and 7 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
Mountain cottonwood is a fast-growing native tree that can reach 30-60 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown. It produces distinctive narrow leaves that flutter in the breeze and small catkin flowers in spring. This tree thrives in moist conditions and provides excellent shade once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mountain 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 mature size inappropriate for most residential lots
- High water requirements conflict with typical HOA drought-tolerant preferences
- Produces abundant cotton-like seeds that create mess and maintenance issues
Wildlife value
The spring catkins attract bees and beetles for pollination. The large canopy provides nesting sites and shelter for various birds and wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mountain Cottonwood need?
- Mountain Cottonwood grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mountain Cottonwood bloom?
- Mountain Cottonwood blooms in April and May.
- Where is Mountain Cottonwood native?
- Mountain Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Mountain Cottonwood toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mountain Cottonwood as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Mountain Cottonwood attract?
- Mountain Cottonwood draws bees and beetles.
- Is Mountain Cottonwood HOA-friendly?
- Mountain 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 Mountain 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
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz