The Eastern Cottonwood is an extremely large tree (one hundred feet tall) that is also a fast grower. It has a broad, open crown with slightly drooping branches.

The specimen shown here is Branford Community Forest Commission's latest member of its Branford Notable Tree program. This grand Eastern Cottonwood sits all by itself on the Pine Orchard golf course. View it by looking left near the driving range.

The tree gets its name from the "cottony" seeds it sheds toward the end of June or early July. Stand under one in a few weeks to get a cotton shower!

This time of year, the CFC also reminds residents to please mulch correctly when placing mulch at the base of trees. Avoid "mulch volcanoes" created by a mound of mulch piled up against the base of the tree. Mulch volcanoes encourage bark rot, insect/disease penetration into bark, growth of girdling roots around the trunk base, rodent infestation and tree death. Proper mulching leaves a visible "flare" with the base of the trunk/root crown uncovered. Please visit the CFC website: http://branford-ct.gov/cfc

The CFC hopes to continue to share photos and information of additional Branford Notable Trees, to help increase public awareness of the importance of the town's trees.

To nominate a notable tree, send your selection to llr26@ymail.com