What good is cottonwood?

[Hartinez]

Not good for bonsai but they are vital to the ecosystem of the Rio grande valley and riparian habitat that runs along it. The 200 mile stretch of cottonwood in NM is said to be the largest continuous stretch of cottonwood forest in the world. It’s a true gem of our diverse landscape here. Through Abq the cottonwoods, while a total mess some parts of the year, are a delight to ride bikes and to walk through. Big problem is the Siberian elm, Russian olive and mulberry that are threatening the Bosque and cottonwood survival.

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[Hartinez]

Also, several, native plant only nurseries here, grow cottonless cottonwoods, that are great for landscapes. I had three my dad had planted in my backyard as a kid and they are all 60 plus feet tall now.

 

[Mike Corazzi]

 

[Flowerhouse]

Thread 'Fun with cottonwood cuttings.' https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/fun-with-cottonwood-cuttings.22645/

Sorce

Thanks for linking this thread, @sorce. Such a cool stablilization project!

 

[Bonsaidoorguy]

I think I'll post updates on this thread also. All is well. Put in a shallow training pot this spring and it's reducing in height nicely. Having fun.

 

[Bonsaidoorguy]

Not too bad of a winter siloette. Probably misspelled.

 

[Mikecheck123]

Not good for bonsai but they are vital to the ecosystem of the Rio grande valley and riparian habitat that runs along it. The 200 mile stretch of cottonwood in NM is said to be the largest continuous stretch of cottonwood forest in the world. It’s a true gem of our diverse landscape here. Through Abq the cottonwoods, while a total mess some parts of the year, are a delight to ride bikes and to walk through. Big problem is the Siberian elm, Russian olive and mulberry that are threatening the Bosque and cottonwood survival.

National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and...

blog.nationalgeographic.org

Fun fact: in Better Call Saul, the Omaha Cinnabon that Gene manages is actually the one in Cottonwood Mall in Albuquerque.

Not so fun fact: I recently drove the length of Nebraska, where I-80 traces the Platte River. The sheer abundance of Russian olives on that river is totally crazy and out of control. It would take 100 years to remove them all.

 

[Hartinez]

Fun fact: in Better Call Saul, the Omaha Cinnabon that Gene manages is actually the one in Cottonwood Mall in Albuquerque.

Not so fun fact: I recently drove the length of Nebraska, where I-80 traces the Platte River. The sheer abundance of Russian olives on that river is totally crazy and out of control. It would take 100 years to remove them all.

Yup. Better call Saul and breaking bad were and are filmed in NM. I’ve got some great friends that have there hands all over those productions, not to mention all the extras I’ve seen in each show.

Russian olive, Siberian elm, and mulberry are all a big issue in the Bosque here. I’ve been walking it yearly to dig up as many Siberian elms as I want. Haven’t done olive or mulberry yet but I will.

 

[AJL]

Also, several, native plant only nurseries here, grow cottonless cottonwoods, that are great for landscapes. I had three my dad had planted in my backyard as a kid and they are all 60 plus feet tall now.

Thats because they are male clones-no fluffy seeds

 

[Bonsaidoorguy]

Cutting down the height a little bit. It's filling out nicely. I'm still positive about it.

 

[BeepBeepBonsaiSheep]

I’ve thought about it because we have some naturally growing near creeks and stuff

Due to their thirst for water, I decided it wouldn’t be good here in the desert

Maybe something in the future, but not right now. I have way too many plants to kill first

 

[Bonsaidoorguy]

So my cottonwood is still kicking. It's my entry in the native plant contest and I just put it in a local made pot this spring.

 

[ShadyStump]

I've recently found a few growing in my dad's hay field that have been mowed and bailed enough times that what's left has some interesting character. Worth digging up to the right person.
I'll try to remember to get some pics next time I'm out there. No promises, of course.

 

[Betula1]

Theyre good for wildlife and a foodplant for caterpillars of your native Viceroy butterfly - the one that mimics the Monarch butterfly.

The caterpillar is camouflaged to look like a bird poop!