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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