Eastern Cottonwood, Plains cottonwood, Rio Grande cottonwood, Necklace Poplar

Populus deltoides

Physical Characteristics

Populus deltoides is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from May to June. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

N. America - Quebec to Florida, west to Minnesota and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Inner bark[105, 161, 177, 257]. A mucilaginous texture, it is usually harvested in the spring[257]. 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. Seeds[105, 161, 177]. No more details are given but they are very small and would be exceedingly fiddly to collect and use. Sap - used for food[257]. Buds[105, 161, 177]. No more details are given. The leaves are rich in protein and have a greater amino-acid content than wheat, corn, rice and barley[226]. A concentrate made from them is as nourishing as meat, but can be produced faster and more cheaply[226]. Some people believe that this will become a major food source for humans[226].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Anthelmintic Antiinflammatory Antiscorbutic Blood purifier Febrifuge Poultice Tonic The bark contains salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body[222, 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]. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of whooping cough and tuberculosis[257]. A decoction of the bark has been used to rid the body of intestinal worms[257]. The bark has been eaten as a treatment for colds[257]. A tea made from the inner bark is used in the treatment of scurvy[222]. The inner bark, combined with black haw bark (Crataegus douglasii) and wild plum bark (Prunus spp) has been used as a female tonic[222, 257]. A poultice of the leaves has been used as a treatment for rheumatism, bruises, sores and boils[257].

Known Hazards

None known