The Matriarch of the Bosque- Rio Grande Cottonwoods

Rio Grande Cottonwood trees dominate the riparian forests of my home state, New Mexico. As a child, I was always entranced by these you beautiful trees, with their limbs looking like those of a dancer, frozen in motion. They are often referred to as “The Matriarch of the Bosque,” as a life-sustaining force unparalleled in its ecosystem.

The Rio Grande Cottonwood has distinct, triangular shaped leaves and can grow to heights of 90 feet, although most typically do not exceed 60 feet. As part of the poplar family, they are related to aspens and other cottonwood trees. Another notable feature of the cottonwood is their eponymous seeds, which truly resemble soft tufts of white cotton. From late spring to early summer, the bosque along the Rio Grande is carpeted with the fluffy, white seeds of these lovely trees. Carried on the winds, these seeds spread far and wide and can make it look as though the sky is raining cotton on a windy day.

Long ago, travelers traversing the treacherous desert were always gloriously happy at the sight of a cottonwood tree, as its existence usually denoted the presence of water. Today, this still holds true; cottonwood trees are dependant on moisture for germination. Propagation also requires plenty of sunlight and bare earth, which is why they are so ubiquitous in this land of perpetual sun. Even though their numbers are still vast, the truth is that their populations are declining with the rise of urban sprawl, river control projects, and farming along the Rio Grande.

These cottonwood support life in myriad ways along the bosque. Their high reaching limbs make safe habitats for porcupines, squirrels, and birds. The shade offered by their canopy supplies other food sources for many animals, by supporting grass growth. This shade also offers a necessary reprieve from the hot desert sun.

If you are ever in Albuquerque and want to see these stunning trees in their natural habitat, check out the [Paseo del Bosque Trail]https://steemit.com/nature/@pinkspectre/paseo-del-bosque() that runs through town along the banks of the Rio Grande.