Cottonwoods
Colorado
A stand of Narrowleaf Cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia; aka Willow-Leaved Poplar) in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Colorado, are wrapped in the leaves of fall. Like their neighbors the Quaking Aspens, the narrow leaves of the cottonwood also turn a vibrant yellow-gold color i nthe autumn. Cottonwoods in the American Southwest grow most commonly in riparian areas; these cottonwoods are along the San Miguel River. Photo © copyright by Chris Eaton.