Populus fremontii

The cottonwood, the tree of streams and rivers in the west. It also occurs in seemingly improbably places, like at White Sands, where it is living proof of the water-holding capacities of sand.

Plant habit at White Sands, 7/26/05. This tree is 10-15 feet high, they are usually much taller off of the sands.

Leaves at White Sands, 7/26/05.