Cottonwood - (Populus Deltoides) - favors moist, well-drained soil along waterways. There, it quickly sprouts from tiny seeds, cut stumps, roots, and even branch cuttings. In these conditions, cottonwood can average 5' in growth per year for its first 25 years. During a tree's 125-year lifespan, it may rise to a height of 150' with a diameter ranging from 7' to 8'. You'll recognize cottonwood by its thick, deeply fissured gray bark. But, perhaps more familiar will be its large, heart-shaped leaves and summertime tails of fluffy down, the "cotton" for which it was named.
  The close-grained heartwood of cottonwood has a tan to brownish tone with gray or purple mineral streaks. Its thin sapwood is creamy white.