| Rio Grande Cottonwood, Valley Cottonwood, Wislizenus Cottonwood, Alamo|
Populus fremontii var. wislizenii
Rio Grande cottonwood is probably the most common cottonwood in the northern and western portions of the Trans-Pecos area of west Texas, growing along waterways, irrigation canals and drainage ditches. It is a fast-growing tree, sometimes 110 feet tall, and like all cottonwoods relatively short-lived.
Plant Habit or Use: large tree
Flower Color: yellow-green on female trees, purple-red on males
Blooming Period: spring
Fruit Characteristics: on female trees, drooping racemes of egg-shaped capsules, containing seeds covered with cottony hairs
Height: to 110 ft.
Width: to 40 ft.
Plant Character: deciduous
Heat Tolerance: very high
Water Requirements: high medium
Soil Requirements: adaptable