Cottonwood: An American Wood

Abstract

Two species of cottonwood trees in the United States are commercially important: eastern cottonwood and black cottonwood. Eastern cottonwood is the more important of these. Wood of both species is similar in appearance and properties, being light in weight and color with a fairly straight grain and uniform texture. It is not strong and decays rapidly in damp areas or when in contact with soil. It is used principally for lightweight containers or those requiring an absence of odor or taste, and for interior parts of furniture, core stock in plywood, and high-grade pulp for paper production.

Keywords

cottonwood

Citation

Kennedy, Harvey E. 1985. Cottonwood: An American Wood. Research Paper SHL-RP-231. Stoneville, MS: USDA-Forest Service, Southern Hardwoods Lab. 7 p.