(Populus fremontii)
Family: Salicaceae

Description
Tree with broad, flattened, open crown of large, widely spreading branches. Height is 40–80 ft. (12–24 m). Diameter is 2–4 ft. (0.6–1.2 m). Leaves are 2–3 in. (5–7.5 cm) long and wide. They are broadly triangular, sharp-pointed, with coarse, irregular, curved teeth. Shiny yellow-green, turning bright yellow in autumn. Bark is gray, thick, rough and deeply furrowed. Flowers are catkins 2–3.5 in. (5–9 cm) long, reddish and occur in early spring. Fruit is about 0.5 in. (12 mm) long, egg-shaped capsules. They are light brown and mature in spring, splitting into three parts. Inside the fruit are many cottony seeds.

Habitat
Wet soils along streams, often with sycamores, willows and alders. Also found in deserts, grasslands and woodlands. Native to New Mexico.

Discussion
This species is the common cottonwood along the Rio Grande and Colorado River. It is an indicator of permanent water and shade. Hopi Indians carve the cottonwood roots into kachina dolls.