Today we are continuing our monthly feature on the trees of Missouri. Last month, we featured the Green Ash, and for the month of March, we are placing the Eastern Cottonwood in the spotlight. Below are some interesting facts about this tree species.
- Eastern cottonwoods are fast growing trees that can grow up to 100 feet or more in height.
- These trees flower between March and May before the leaves emerge; male catkins in red, and female catkins in green.
- The bark of an Eastern cottonwood is yellow-green in color and rather thin and smooth when the tree is young. It thickens as the tree ages and becomes brown to gray in color and develops deep, straight grooves with wide, flat ridges as the tree ages.
- Eastern cottonwoods are often used for erosion control. The wood of this tree is used for veneer, baskets, pulpwood, and even ice cream sticks.
- Years ago, this tree was favored by Native Americans and early explorers for making dugout canoes.
- The Eastern cottonwood is Kansas' State Tree
Curious to learn more about the native trees growing on your property?
Image from Treesandshrubs.about.com