Plains cottonwood

The plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is one of the most widely grown native species of tree, this species ranges throughout the continent and grows 80-100 ft. The yellow fall color is absolutely stunning, and the deeply furrowed bark of old specimens is also beautiful.

The largest tree in Saskatchewan is a hybrid cottonwood (P. deltoides x P. balsamifera) growing 10 km south of Blaine Lake, just off highway #12 and down Tree Road. It is nearly five meters around and is believed to predate white settlement. Known affectionately in the area simply as “the big tree”, it is the largest and last remaining in a stand that grew in near perfect growing conditions beside the river. The tree has lived well past its life expectancy and is suffering from disease. If you have photos of this tree or updates on its health, please submit them to us.

The plains cottonwood (P. deltoides) that grows on the 200th block of 8^th St. east in Saskatoon is one of the largest trees in the city. Just a few blocks over from that one is “the 7^th Street Monster” (on the 400th block of 7^th St. east) which may be not only the largest poplar in Saskatoon, but quite possibly the largest tree. The Patterson Arboretum at the University of Saskatchewan is also home to a particularly splendid and very large hybrid cottonwood.

Another impressive cottonwood grows beside the Riverside Presbyterian Church (110-3^rd St. Northeast) in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Planted in 1888 and having lived well past its life expectancy, this tree was planted by the Hargrave family, who were early ranchers and business people in southern Alberta. This is believed to be the first tree planted in Medicine Hat! The tree is over 80 ft. tall and requires several people to circle around it.

Almost as large but somewhat younger, the Rockwell cottonwood in the neighboring city of Brooks (200 block of Aquaduct Drive) is also an immense giant that is worth visiting.