How much sun does Swamp Cottonwood need?

Swamp Cottonwood grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Swamp Cottonwood bloom?

Swamp Cottonwood blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Swamp Cottonwood native?

Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Swamp Cottonwood toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Cottonwood as toxic to livestock.

Is Swamp Cottonwood HOA-friendly?

Swamp Cottonwood takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Swamp Cottonwood

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Populus heterophylla

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) 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 Swamp Cottonwood as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

360"–720" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 17 more states

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark Highlands Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Swamp cottonwood is a large native tree that thrives in wet conditions and full sun. This fast-growing deciduous tree can reach 30-60 feet tall with a broad canopy, making it suitable for spacious properties. It produces small flowers in spring and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp 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 unsuitable for most residential lots
Aggressive root system can damage foundations and utilities
Messy leaf drop and potential branch debris

Wildlife value

This tree supports numerous native insects and provides nesting sites for birds. The flowers attract various pollinators, and the large canopy offers excellent shade and wildlife habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Swamp Cottonwood need?: Swamp Cottonwood grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Swamp Cottonwood bloom?: Swamp Cottonwood blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Swamp Cottonwood native?: Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Swamp Cottonwood toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Cottonwood as toxic to livestock.
Is Swamp Cottonwood HOA-friendly?: Swamp 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.

Ready to grow Swamp Cottonwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz