The fuzzy cotton-like flowers and seeds are the namesake for this tree. In early spring, the flowers appear on bare branches, the leaves emerging in late spring. Summer finds cottonwoods in full leaf, providing much desired shade. Then, their cotton tufted seeds start floating away on the breeze. Come fall, the light green leaves fade to an opaque yellow and cover the valley floors.
Winter finds the trees bare and gray against the sky.
Cottonwoods are dependent on a constant supply of water. They have historically lead pioneers to water in arid lands. Due to their assistance in finding water and providing abundant shade, cottonwoods are the most written about tree in literature by early explorers. The cottonwoods at Pinnacles are no different. You will find these trees along our streams.