Cottonwoods are native to North America and were common where I used to live in Wichita, Kansas. I also remember them from my preteen years, going to a sleepaway camp in northern New Jersey. Their cottony seed mass coverings would blanket the ground.
Some call the release of the seeds "The snows of June".
These trees are among the fastest growing of trees, and are not well loved due to the mess they make. (However, there are male and female trees, and only the females produce the seeds).
I found this cottonwood tree ready to release on June 10 where I exercise walk on the Vestal Rail Trail.
Here is one of the seed masses close up. It does look like cotton, doesn't it?
Join
Parul at Happiness and Food every second and fourth Thursday of the month for #ThursdayTreeLove. Love (or photograph) a tree today, and join us.
Yes, that does look like cotton
ReplyDeleteDon't think I've seen a cottonwood up close.
ReplyDeleteI hate these trees. The cotton plugs up roof vents, A/C units, screens. Ugh. When I moved here we were told they could not be planted, but the law was never enforced. Some folks have cut their's down, but not my next door idiot.
ReplyDeleteIt's like snow here. But with warmth. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of a cottonwood tree until the country song came out and was so popular. Your pictures look VERY much like cotton. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete:) gwingal
Thanks so much for this, Alana. The novel I have been working on for years and that has gone through many versions, its no entitled WHEN THE COTTONWOODS BLEW. The MC of the story must deal with a tragedy that occurred on the day when The Cottonwoods Blew and I do relate the snow, the build up and it takes place in June. I lived near these trees in Illinois and in Iowa. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes, that does look like cotton. I suppose it can't be spun into thread like real cotton, though.
ReplyDeleteNever seen these before . Always a joy to read about these wonderful trees!
ReplyDeleteThose are so beautiful. That pinkish color make them look so different and happy too. Never seen these before. Thank you for sharing! Such a great addition to the collection.
ReplyDeletesounds interesting the first image doesn't look like cotton, the second does..
ReplyDelete