Narrowleaf Cottonwood

Populus angustifolia

Physical Characteristics

Populus angustifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alberta to Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Edible Uses: Gum Sweetener Inner bark[105, 161, 177] There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread. A 'honeydew', produced on the undersides of leaves by aphis, was collected by various native North American Indian tribes and used as a sweetener[227]. The buds have been used as a chewing gum[257].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiinflammatory Antiscorbutic Febrifuge Odontalgic A tea made from the inner bark is used in the treatment of scurvy[161]. The bark contains salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body[213, 226, 238]. The bark is therefore anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers, and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps[238]. The woolly fruit is moistened and applied to the gums in order to treat infections[226]. A tea made from the fruits is used in the treatment of toothache[226].

Known Hazards

None known