AMERICAN COTTONWOOD American eastern cottonwood is one of many true poplars, such as aspen, but requires expertise to use successfully. LATIN NAME Populus deltoides OTHER COMMON NAMES eastern cottonwood, eastern poplar

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

COMPARE SPECIES

American eastern cottonwood trees are fast growing and the largest of this genus grows widely across the USA and is normally associated with water. They can be up to 8 feet in diameter. Cottonwood may be referred to as white poplar and should not be confused with tulipwood, known as yellow poplar in the USA.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

COMPARE SPECIES

American cottonwood is available as sawn lumber and veneer but may only be available in limited volumes of export specifications, determined by current export demand. Cottonwood lumber is mainly available from southern producers predominantly in 4/4” (25.4mm) and 5/4” (32mm), where it needs to be processed quickly when freshly cut (green) to avoid checking and blue staining.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

COMPARE SPECIES

Cottonwood is a porous wood with a coarse texture. It is generally straight grained with relatively few defects. The sap is white, but may contain brown streaks. The heartwood is pale to light brown.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

The wood of cottonwood is relatively lightweight and soft. It is weak in bending and compression as well as shock resistance. Cottonwood has no taste or odour when dry.

0.40 Specific Gravity(12% M.C.)	4,493kg/m3 Average Weight(12% M.C.)	11.30% Average Volume Shrinkage(Green to 6% M.C.)
58.61MPa Modulus of Rupture	9,466MPa Modulus of Elasticity	33.85MPa Compressive strength (parallel to grain)
1,913N Hardness

Oiled / Un-Oiled Appearance

COMPARE SPECIES

PERFORMANCE

COMPARE SPECIES

● Cottonwood presents some machining challenges, which can be overcome. The wood may produce a fuzzy or woolly surface when cut, so it is essential to use sharp blades set at the correct angle to avoid this problem. Otherwise it glues and screws well without splitting. It dries easily but with a tendency to warp, with small movement in performance.

● The wood is non-resistant to decay.

MAIN USES

COMPARE SPECIES

Traditionally used for venetian blinds, American cottonwood is used for furniture, especially reproduction furniture and furniture parts. Other uses include internal joinery and mouldings.

EAXMPLE OF USE