For early desert travelers, the presence of the Fremont cottonwood indicated a reliable source of water within digging depth. This is the cottonwood of desert waterholes and watercourses. Stout, spreading and pendulous branches form a broad, open crown. Fast growing, deciduous. Attain a height of 100 feet and width of 20-25 feet.
Leaves make a characteristic fluttering noise when in a breeze.
Bark of young trees is light gray, thin and smooth. As the tree ages, the bark darkens, thickens, and breaks into furrowed ridges. Male and female flowers appear as catkins on separate trees. Male flowers are 1-3 inches long. Female trees product fluffy white seeds in spring, giving the cottonwood its common name.