Why name it cottonwood?

I took this photo June 11. It shows the seed pods of a cottonwood tree bursting with what looks like cotton. In the mass of fluff are tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Cottonwood trees naturally grow in wet areas along riverbanks, lakes and ponds. This tree can grow to 100 feet tall. Its wood is soft, rots easily and is not a good choice for use in constructing buildings. The wood is often used for making pallets.

When the seeds of the cottonwood ripen and the wind blows, it can appear to be snowing in late May or June. The surface of a nearby pond may become covered with "cotton" for several days, making it difficult for a fisherman to fish. With each cast, the floating white fluff will collect on the fishing line, where it must be taken off by hand so it doesn't get inside the fishing reel.