Cottonwood Tree (Populus freemontii)
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The cottonwood tree (Populus fremontii) grows 40 to 80 feet in height. It has a broad open crown of widely spreading branches. Cottonwoods grow only in wet soil and are found along lakes, riverbanks and irrigation ditches throughout the southwest. | |
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Bark is gray, thick, rough and deeply furrowed. | |
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Many tall cottonwoods show signs of having been struck by lightening. | |
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Leaves are triangular, 3-5" long and wide and shiny green. They turn bright yellow-gold in fall. | |
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Fruit consists of egg-shaped capsules, 1/2" long, that mature in spring and split into three parts. | |
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The seeds are contained in cottony masses, easily airborne. | |
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Eriophyid mite galls are often seen on this tree. |
Photos: Judy Sedbrook
