cottonwood

American  

[kot-n-wood] / ˈkɒt nˌwʊd /

noun

1. any of several American poplars, as Populus deltoides, having toothed, triangular leaves and cottonlike tufts on the seeds.

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cottonwood British  

/ ˈkɒtənˌwʊd /

noun

1. any of several North American poplars, esp Populus deltoides, whose seeds are covered with cottony hairs

2. Also called: tauhinu.  a native New Zealand shrub, Cassinia leptophylla , with daisy-like flowers

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Etymology

Origin of cottonwood

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; cotton + wood ¹

Example Sentences

At the meadow’s end, the creek dived into a rocky canyon, the beginning of a 1,500-foot drop through patches of willow, cottonwood and fern.

From Los Angeles Times

Along rivers and creeks, bright yellow cottonwood trees congregated in bursts of yellow.

From Los Angeles Times

In Yosemite, their return has been credited with the recovery of willows, aspens and cottonwoods, as well as an increase in beavers, songbirds and fish species.

From Los Angeles Times

Near Winter’s home in Studio City sits a small riverside park shaded by cottonwood trees, where the native plants attract hummingbirds.

From Los Angeles Times

“Heard him tell the girl in the picture called ‘War of the Wildcats’ that he would build her a house ‘at the bend in the river where the cottonwoods grow.’

From Los Angeles Times