cottonwood (poplar)
Plant
Large tree
Deciduous
Numerous species of poplar, only one commonly known as cottonwood
Twig
Alternate leaf arrangement
Bark
Light gray, with fissures when young
Gray, with deep ridges as it matures
Leaf
2-5" long
Triangular wedge shape tapering to abrupt point
Alternate, simple
Some species lobed, some toothed edges
Long, flattened petiole (leaf stalk)
Leaf Bud
¼-¾" long
Usually resinous (sticky)
Flower
Pendulous catkins
Open in early spring before leaves emerge
Fruit
Capsule opens to release seeds covered with cottony tufts of fiber