eastern cottonwood (stem cuttings)

Hardwood stem cuttings sold in bundles of 4 and 12. Easy to root, similar to elderberry and willow species.

Eastern cottonwood is a fast growing tree that is easy to propagate. As such, it can be used to relatively quickly create shade or seasonal privacy. It is also a very reliable and quick growing coppice tree, making it ideal for a number of uses, such as wood carving, wattle, or biomass for soil building.

The beneifts to landscape and wildlife are numerous. Beavers love the wood and it is said that bald eagles prefer large specimens of this tree for their nesting sites. The seed is eaten by birds and the seed fluff is used as nesting material.

Eastern cottonwood stem cuttings are easy to root with no special care or rooting hormones. It can be as simple as sticking the cutting in fertile, loose soil that is weed-free while it is dormant. Depth is important to keep the cutting moist where roots form, so make sure to get your cutting at least 3 inches deep and mulch it well. The cuttings can be prepared for planting this way in their permanent location in the fall, winter, or early spring in NC. Colder climates should plant this way in late fall OR early spring. Can also be rooted in pots. Expect at least an 80 percent success rate.

Plant details:
Genus & species: Populus deltoides
Hardiness: Zone 2 to zone 9
Sun: Full sun preferred
Soil type: Tolerant of a variety of soil types, prefers silty/sandy soils
Soil moisture: Average to moist