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
