Ceiba speciosa is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 82 feet (25 meters) tall. It has a broad, spreading canopy and a thick, spiny trunk. The leaves are green and palmate, with 5-7 leaflets. The flowers are large and showy, with pink or white petals and a yellow center. The fruit is a woody capsule filled with cotton-like fibers that are used to make pillows and insulation.