Cottonwood

Common Name(s): Eastern Cottonwood

Scientific Name: Populus deltoides

Distribution: Central and eastern United States

Tree Size: 100-165 ft (30-50 m) tall, 4-6 ft (1.2-2.0 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 28 lbs/ft3 (450 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .37, .45

Janka Hardness: 430 lbf (1,910 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 8,500 lbf/in2 (58.6 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 1,370,000 lbf/in2 (9.45 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 4,910 lbf/in2 (33.9 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 3.9 %, Tangential: 9.2%, Volumetric: 13.9%, T/R Ratio: 2.4

Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a light brown. Sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white, and isn’t clearly demarcated, tending to gradually blend into the heartwood.

Grain/Texture: Grain is generally straight to slightly irregular or interlocked. Uniform medium texture with low natural luster.

Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; solitary and radial multiples; medium pores in no specific arrangement, moderately numerous to numerous; parenchyma marginal; narrow rays, normal to close spacing.

Rot Resistance: Rated as non-durable, and also susceptible to insect attack.

Workability: Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though sharp cutters are necessary when planing to avoid fuzzy surfaces, (subsequent fine-sanding may be necessary to obtain a smooth surface). Responds poorly to steam bending. Does not split easily, and has poor nail-holding capability. Wood has a tendency to warp and distort during drying. Glues and finishes well.

Odor: Has a sour odor when green, which disappears once the wood is dry.

Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Eastern Cottonwood.