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. This species was named for the famous nineteenth century politician, soldier, explorer, and territorial governor of Arizona, John C. Fremont.
Tree has nasty reputation for making a mess, and is illegal to grow in certain communities.
Fremont cottonwood is used by Pueblo artisans for large drums, as can be seen in this example from Cochiti Pueblo, made in the early 1900's.