Mountain Treasures III – Hidden Treasures and Cottonwood Trees

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

Cottonwood trees are one of the fastest growing trees in North America. They can add an amazing six to seven feet of height in a year. Even though man classifies the cottonwood as a hardwood, their rapid growth characteristic makes for soft wood relative to many other trees. And this softer wood can cause the cottonwood to be susceptible to damage or breaking during severe wind-storms.

Cottonwood trees like water, so you can often find them near streams and riverbeds. Their heart-shaped leaves turn a stunning yellow/gold in autumn. People collect cottonwood buds in the springtime while the buds are still closed but the resin is beginning to flow. These buds are used by herbalists for salves and oils, and many claim a variety of medicinal benefits.

Native Americans used the trunks of cottonwood trees for dugout canoes. While some modern-day woodworkers shun cottonwood, others find it plenty strong for their projects, and an easy wood to work and shape.

Even though I found many interesting facts about cottonwood trees whilst perusing the internet, I didn’t see any mention of the hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of stars hidden inside each one of them (see above photo). If you want to see this for yourself, simply cut a small branch at the “knuckle”, wait a few moments for the color to change, and viola, you now have a couple of stars in your hand!

When I discover things like this in His creation, I just can’t help but smile and give thanks. When God created the cottonwood tree, He didn’t have to put stars in their branches. But He did. How cool is that?

As the above Scripture points out, when we call to Him, He shows us all kinds of things which we don’t know. If you’ve never taken Him up on this, you should. He has shown me so many things that I can’t even imagine the number. And He continues to show me, because there is just no end of Him and His works all around us (see Mountain Treasure I, Mountain Treasure II).

If you’ve never called on the One Who created this universe to be your very own personal Lord and Savior, I encourage you to check out Got God?

Hope you have a great day. And maybe find some stars of your own!