Highland Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus x acuminata x sargentii
Highland Poplar (cottonwood) (Populus x acuminata x sargentii) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Too big for small yards.
Colorado nativemedium water50–70 ft tall and 30–50 ft wideDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) dmoders, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Daniel Z, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 50–70 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Gold, yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- riparian
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Weak WoodBrittle wood that heavy spring snow and wind like to snap, so prune for strong structure and keep it clear of roofs, wires, and drives.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Cytospora canker
- Poplar and aspen borers
- Leaf spot and rust in wet springs
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Highland Poplar (cottonwood) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Highland Poplar (cottonwood) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Highland Poplar (cottonwood) get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Highland Poplar (cottonwood) need?
- Give Highland Poplar (cottonwood) about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Highland Poplar (cottonwood) grow into?
- Highland Poplar (cottonwood) typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Highland Poplar (cottonwood) hardy on the Front Range?
- Highland Poplar (cottonwood) is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Highland Poplar (cottonwood) need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Highland Poplar (cottonwood) grow?
- Highland Poplar (cottonwood) is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Highland Poplar (cottonwood) live?
- Highland Poplar (cottonwood) is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Highland Poplar (cottonwood) turn in fall?
- Highland Poplar (cottonwood) turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Highland Poplar (cottonwood) native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Highland Poplar (cottonwood) deer-resistant?
- Highland Poplar (cottonwood) is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Highland Poplar (cottonwood) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Highland Poplar (cottonwood) can be affected by cytospora canker and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
Find Highland Poplar (cottonwood) near you
See also
Related trees
Narrowleaf Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus angustifolia
Eastern Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus deltoides
Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera
Upright European Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremula 'Erecta'
Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremuloides
PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremuloides