Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

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Sunday - May 23, 2010

From: Olathe, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Cotonwood fluff in Kansas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Two weeks ago my yard, deck pond became covered in seeds/leaves not sure what it is but it looks like oatmeal. Any idea what plant it might come from.

ANSWER:

This sounds like the seeds from Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood). Here are photos from Ontario , British Columbia and more photos from Minnesota. Please check the final photo on this page titled "Cottonwood Trees in Kansas" to see cottonwood fluff that looks a bit like oatmeal.

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