Click on the images help you identify a cottonwood.
Form
Large tree, 50 to 80 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 36 to over 48 inches. Trees first develop a narrow, conical crown that with maturity becomes broad and open supported by a massive trunk.
Bark
Light gray on young trees and dark gray and rough on older trees.
Leaf
Simple, alternate on stem, 3 to 5 inches long, nearly as wide and broadly ovate or triangular, pointed, square at base, finely toothed or wavy on edges. Covered with soft white hairs on underside. Flattened, slender stems measure between 2 to 3 inches. Winter buds are covered with chestnut brown, resinous scales. Colors turn yellow to yellowish orange in autumn. Buds turn sticky in late spring.
Fruit (seed)
Two to four valved, thin capsules borne on short stock in drooping "catkins." Minute, pale, brown-white seeds launch in late May or June, borne in a cluster of white cottony hairs that carry them for long distances. Cottonwoods have male and female trees. Only female trees produce cotton.
Range
Found throughout Minnesota, often forming extensive groves or along rivers. Will grow on dry locations but makes most rapid progress on moist sites. Shade intolerant, very fast-growing.
Wood uses
Soft, lightweight, warps easily when drying, rots readily. Used for boxes, fencing, fuel, rough lumber for inside use, making high-grade magazine paper for printing half-tone illustrations. Used extensively for windbreaks owing to rapid growth and adaptability to soil. Usually propagated by cuttings or seedlings. Found along water courses.