Plains Cottonwood is the signature tree of the Great Plains river bottoms, the only large shade tree found naturally along streams crossing the semi-arid grasslands from the Dakotas to Texas. Vast gallery forests of cottonwood along rivers like the Missouri, Arkansas, and Republican were essential landmarks for westward travelers and provided the only wood in a treeless landscape. These riparian corridors are critical migration corridors for birds and essential habitat for many grassland-dependent wildlife species.
Habitat
River floodplains, stream banks, and canyon bottoms across the Great Plains from southern Canada to Texas.
Diet
Bark and twigs eaten by beavers, deer, and pronghorn; riparian groves support enormous numbers of migrating birds.
How common
Common
Recent Plains Cottonwood sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Plains Cottonwood? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free