A cottonwood is a type of large, fast-growing tree native to North America, named for the fluffy white seeds it releases each spring and summer. These seeds drift through the air attached to cottony fibers, looking like snow falling in warm weather. If you've ever seen white fluff floating around a park or sticking to car windshields in June, you've probably encountered cottonwood seeds.

Cottonwoods grow near rivers, streams, and other water sources, often reaching heights of 80 feet or more. Their heart-shaped leaves rustle and shimmer in the wind, creating a distinctive sound. The bark on mature trees develops deep grooves and furrows. Native Americans and pioneers valued cottonwoods because they indicated water nearby and provided shade in otherwise barren landscapes. The wood itself is soft and light, sometimes used for making crates or paper.

The name comes from those distinctive seeds. Each tiny seed has attached fibers that act like a parachute, helping it travel far from the parent tree to find new ground to sprout. While the floating fluff can be messy and bothersome, especially for people with allergies, it's nature's clever way of spreading these trees across wide areas.