The tree is short-lived, very fast-growing, and can take over an open area if left alone. It develops first as a narrow, conical crown that with maturity becomes broad and open supported by a massive trunk. Its bark is a light gray on young trees and dark gray and rough on older trees. Leaves are simple and grow alternately on the stem. They are broadly ovate or triangular and pointed, square at the base. Leaves are finely toothed or wavy on the edges and covered with soft white hairs on the underside. The winter buds are covered with chestnut brown, resinous scales. Leaves will turn yellow to yellowish-orange in the fall. The seeds are enclosed in a cluster of white cottony hairs that carry them for long distances. Cottonwoods have male and female trees and only female trees produce cotton and can be messy. To avoid problems with messes, try planting male cottonwood trees. They do not produce the seeds that disperse cotton around the tree, and are known as “cottonless cottonwoods”.
Prefers moist, well-drained soil to wet soils. Tolerant to dry sites that experience occasional drought as well as wet sites that experience occasional flooding. They will tolerate alkaline and clay soils. Cottonwoods are very tolerant to road salts which made them well suited for the urban landscape, they are however intolerant to salts in the soil. Makes for a great shade tree especially away from homes or structures like in parks or large open lawns. Well suited for a wet or low spot in your yard. Utilized by mammals, sapsuckers, and songbirds for food or shelter.