The plains cottonwood is Wyoming’s state tree, with confusion over its scientific name. It was chosen for its ability to grow well in changing climates and a large tree in Thermopolis. The tree grows quickly and easily, but its roots can cause damage to man-made structures.
The plains cottonwood is the state tree of Wyoming. There was some confusion about its scientific name: many people called it Populus sargentii, while some scientists believed it was simply a subspecies of the eastern poplar, or Populus deltoides. It was first selected by the Wyoming legislature as a state tree in February 1947. Then, in 1961, legislation amended the statute to clarify the tree’s scientific name as Populus deltoides.
The plains cottonwood was chosen to be the state tree of Wyoming for two reasons. First, the changing climate in Wyoming suited the poplar, allowing the trees to grow well. As a result, early pioneers in Wyoming began planting trees for shade, causing them to increase in number throughout the area. Second, there was a great plains cottonwood in Thermopolis, Wyoming that people believe represented the ideal tree. As a result, the tree was chosen to be the state tree.
Although most plains poplars only grow to 40 or 50 feet (about 12.2 or 15.2 m) tall, there are some claims that the trees are capable of reaching heights of nearly 100 feet (about 30.48 m). There have been reports that the largest plains cottonwood has been found in Albany County, Wyoming. As of 1990, the tree was only 64 feet (about 19.51 m) tall, causing many arborists to question the tree’s true height limitations.
The leaves of the plains poplar are triangular in shape. Many people believe that they are similar in shape to an aspen leaf. The bark is gray in color and the tree typically has drooping yellow flowers. The Wyoming state tree also produces an abundance of cotton-like fruit. People often notice the fruit floating in the air.
Plains poplar grows easily and quickly. Generally, the tree will live an average of 70 years, but there are some reports of trees living for nearly a century. Although the tree prefers to live near water, especially near streams, ponds and lakes, it can survive in drier soils. If planted near a house, the tree should be given attention. For example, it should be watered and given seasonal fertilizer, pesticides and insecticides. Also, dying or damaged tree branches should be removed to prevent disease from taking hold of it.
The biggest complaint about the Wyoming state tree is its ability to grow large roots. In particular, when grown near sidewalks, roads, or other man-made devices, the roots can kick up concrete, planks, asphalt, or cement. If the damage-producing roots are cut, it could kill the tree or make it weaker over time.
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