Populus deltoides, or eastern cottonwood, is native to North America, thriving in the eastern, central, and southwestern United States, as well as the southern Canadian prairies and the southernmost part of eastern Canada. It is a fast-growing tree ideal for naturalized areas, parks, and rural lowlands. It thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soils, tolerating drought once established. Cottonwood is best suited for rural or riparian areas where their rapid growth can be managed. Its messiness, with large leaf drops and cottony seeds, can be mitigated by planting cotton-less cultivars.