Trees of Iowa in winter - Photos by Bob Kelly

We all love seeing the snow and ice deposits found on evergreen trees, and they look lovely all winter and the rest of the year as well.  The two trees which follow, take on a stately quality in winter that makes them unique.

The giant Cottonwood tree stands strongly near the edge of a cornfield, saved and protected by the farmer of the land.  It and a small pump house structure watch over this now dormant corn field, frozen from the cold winter winds of Iowa.

The white and ghostly looking tree is a Sycamore, and this one is a most senior specimen, likely over 100 years old.  They like to grow on flood plains which is why this one does so well on the flood plain area of Squaw Creek.  You can find it directly to the North East of Hilton Coliseum across Lincoln Way, and it is worth a look if you can look and drive safely at the same time!  This photo was taken as I approached the stoplight at the corner of University Boulevard and Lincoln Way, heading south.  The late afternoon sun "lit up" the tree against the winter sky, giving it a distinctive look.  When Sycamores get old and mature they loose their darker bark, and this white bark remains on parts of the trunks and branches, making the tree stand out in the browns of winter.  In a way its branches look as if a giant had uprooted the tree and turned it upside down!  Enjoy!