West Coast Tree Identification?

[hondo]

First time visiting the West Coast and I have an affection for trees and bees. It seems like there is always something in bloom and there were honey bees everywhere. Went to Balboa Park in San Diego and came across this tree with cotton balls hanging from its branches. I've never quite seen anything like it. Does anyone know the Genus, species, or family this tree might be in other than the common name Cotton Ball tree. Many thanks. Hondo.

[iwombat]

Sounds like you're talking about a cottonwood tree.

[hondo]

Thanks for the reply. Checked it out and you were correct it is a cottonwood tree in the willow family. Found some good pics on the net. Don't think it will grow here in Ct. Do the bees visit for pollen and nectar?

[beedeetee]

Our cottonwood trees around here (west coast but way north of San Diego) don't have cotton balls hanging from them. It does look like it is snowing when they spread their seeds. The seed pods are sticky and split releasing their cotton/snow seeds which float off (the pods fall and stick to your shoes). Not a tree that I would want in my yard. We had a large one (5' diameter) next you our yard when I was growing up which is why I know about the sticky pods sticking to your shoes.

If you have ever cut one up for firewood you will see why they call them cottonwood. Not good firewood. They commonly grow along creeks and in wet areas. Pioneers looked for them because they knew that water would be close to the surface where they would grow.