Cottonwood Tree old_product_id_6125 Those plants in the grab All Fern Plants Those plants in the grab bag that are indeed positive environmental contributors are more ecologically friendly ground covers ● Giant ostrich Type They are an important foundation species in many ecosystems‚ providing dense canopy cover for birds‚ nest sites and rich food sources in large quantities of invertebrates․ The cottonwood is used as a habitat for woodpeckers and some warblers‚ and its seeds and the insects found on its bark are consumed by various brightly colored finch and other birds․ When the tree scatters its seeds in spring‚ the seeds feed other small animals․ Cottonwoods have deep roots that help to secure riverbanks and prevent erosion of their banks․ They also provide homes for burrowing animals‚ and their shade allows other flora‚ such as grasses and plants‚ to thrive at their base and create a unique undergrowth at rivers and streams․ When that happens‚ the cottonwood becomes a busy world in itself‚ a symbol of the harmony of nature․ Cottonwoods can grow up to six feet a year in the right environment‚ quickly reaching heights between 50 and 100 feet