The various growth morphologies of CdS films grown epitaxially on SrF2substrates were investigated by studying films grown at different supersaturations on smooth and intentionally pitted substrate surfaces. By correlating the growth conditions with photomicrographic and x‐ray topographic studies, cathodoluminescence, and low‐temperature uv excited edge emission we show that the hexagonal flat top is the equilibrium growth form produced by two‐dimensional nucleation. Using the same studies we show that the hexagonal pyramids are associated with an excess amount of cadmium, and that they could be formed by growth around a cadmium droplet. The cadmium droplets form when conditions exist which do not allow the cadmium adatoms sufficient time to diffuse to their equilibrium position.