Cottonweed

About Cottonweed

Cottonweed, also known as Plains Snakecotton, is a hardy native annual that thrives in the hottest and driest conditions. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, it is easily identified by its stems and flower spikes, which are densely covered in soft, white, woolly hairs. These unique features give the plant a silvery, cotton-like appearance that adds distinctive texture to the landscape from July through September. Native to the central and southern United States, it is most at home in sandy or gravelly sites, including prairies and sand barrens. Cottonweed plays an important role in stabilizing sandy soils and provides a valuable seed source for various bird species. It requires full sun and well-drained, dry soil to succeed. As an annual, it relies on its ability to re-seed, making it a great choice for naturalized areas where it can persist year after year without intensive care.