No, it’s not snow, but if you’re cruising the highway or city streets and all you see is white fluff flying by, it would definitely make you wonder.
In some parts of Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula area, it may seem like it’s snowing at times.
But all that white fluff blowing around is actually from cottonwood trees.
The black cottonwood stands as a medium- to large-sized deciduous broadleaf tree.
Its foliage, twigs, and buds serve as food sources for various wildlife species. As noted by the BC government, its light and soft wood find applications in lumber, veneer, and pulp production.
Black cottonwoods on Vancouver Island are commonly found on river floodplains, particularly along the east coast. Rivers such as the Puntledge or Tsolum rivers are reliable spots to see them, and the Oyster River, reportedly, boasts some impressive specimens.
The fluffy seeds from black cottonwood trees can potentially exacerbate allergies for some individuals, as they can be carried by the wind and trigger allergic reactions when inhaled.
However, the extent of the impact varies depending on the individual’s sensitivity to pollen and other allergens.
The seed pods typically split open in warmer weather, which usually begins in late May or early June, and this phenomenon can last up to two weeks.
This is the range of the black cottonwood:
Those white puffs floating “snow” in the air this time of year are #cottonwood #seeds.
You don’t need a calendar to know it’s late May/early June. The white balls of fluff #floating in the air provide all the evidence you need.#spring #signsofspring #trees pic.twitter.com/MfVcARX2MS
— James M. Falletti, M.Ed. (@JamesFalletti) May 21, 2023
For those who feel their allergies worsen because of this, not to worry; we are almost free of cottonwood fluff for another year.
