The leaves of this deciduous species, which turn bright yellow in the fall, can be set into motion by the slightest autumn breeze. The seeds are also notable as they are covered with white cottony hairs that can literally carpet an area when dispersed. Though raid growers, they are short-lived trees. Beavers feed on their sweet bark and build dams with their branches. This species is usually the tallest tree in the Riparian habitat.
Cottonwoods prefer to grow close to the streambank.