Cottonwood and the River of Time: On Trees, Evolution, and Society

by Reinhard F. Stettler

Cottonwood and the River of Time looks at some of the approaches scientists have used to unravel the puzzles of the natural world. With a lifetime of work in forestry and genetics to guide him, Reinhard Stettler celebrates both what has been learned and what still remains a mystery as he examines not only cottonwoods but also trees more generally, their evolution, and their relationship to society.

Cottonwoods flourish on the verge, near streams and rivers. Their life cycle is closely attuned to the river's natural dynamics. An ever-changing floodplain keeps generating new opportunities for these pioneers to settle and prepare the ground for new species. Perpetual change is the story of cottonwoods -- but in a broader sense, the story of all trees and all kinds of life. Through the long parade of generation after generation, as rivers meander and glaciers advance and retreat, trees have adapted and persisted, some for thousands of years. How do they do this? And more urgently, what lessons can we learn from the study of trees to preserve and manage our forests for an uncertain future?

In his search for answers, Stettler moves from the floodplain of a West Cascade river, where seedlings compete for a foothold, to mountain slopes, where aspens reveal their genetic differences in colorful displays; from the workshops of Renaissance artists who painted their masterpieces on poplar to labs where geneticists have recently succeeded in sequencing a cottonwood's genome; from the intensively cultivated tree plantations along the Columbia to old-growth forests challenged by global warming.

Natural selection and adaptation, the comparable advantages and disadvantages of sexual versus asexual reproduction, the history of plant domestication, and the purposes, risks, and potential benefits of genetic engineering are a few of the many chapters in this story. By offering lessons in how nature works, as well as how science can help us understand it, Cottonwood and the River of Time illuminates connections between the physical, biological, and social worlds.

Genres: Science, Natural History, Nature

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Fernleaf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting but very dense read focusing on the genetics of trees through the lens of the cottonwood tree (poplar family.) Although this book contains some fascinating information on the life histories of cottonwoods in particular and poplars in general it also touches on many other groups of trees and trees/forests as a whole group. The vocabulary is dense, and if you are lacking a good grounding in basic biological concepts the going might be a little challenging. There is an extensive glossary in the back that helps with defining the jargon, but the concepts can be hard to grasp (especially if you're reading it late in the evening after the kiddos are asleep.)

[Will G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I don't share a passion for cottonwood.

[Dylan Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just so excellent. He ties together so many interesting concepts in ecology, genetics, forestry, and river systems dynamics. In doing so, he effortlessly teaches us about natural history, evolution, and genetics. In the last part, his focus on the interweaving of nature and human systems is also very nicely done. I've taught my college plant ecology/forest ecology classes with this book several times now, and it's always a favorite. A must-read for anyone who loves trees and rivers.

[Michael Blackmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice look at Cottonwood trees and friends - but more importantly it uses them as a very handy lens in which to view and learn about tree botany.

Recommended for tree geeks!