Fremont Cottonwood, Populus fremontii, ssp. fremontii

Cottonwood Trees near San Felipe Creek on the old Sentenac Ranch

In the autumn, a cottonwood tree sticks out like a sore thumb on a desert hillside, especially one that is green. Cottonwoods produce one of California's best displays of autumn color.

Cottonwoods are also a sign of water. They are found along the western edges of the desert in places like San Felipe Creek. It seems logical to assume that Oriflamme Canyon is so named because of the golden autumn leaves of its cottonwoods

Cottonwoods belong to the Salicaceae, the Willow Family.