Cottonwood seeds grow best in wet river bottoms so we can see them growing near open water. Cottonwood grows quickly and suffers wind damage. Osprey and eagles nest and blue heron roosts are found in cottonwoods.
Birds eat buds and mountain beavers eat leaves and bark.
Native Americans ate the inner bark for the sweet taste. Cottonwood buds reduce infection. This skunk-like smell attracts insects to pollinate the plant. Skunk cabbage is shaped likea leafy cabbage head. It grow low to the ground and can be up to two feet high.