Plains Cottonwood

Populus deltoides monilifera

Physical Characteristics

Populus deltoides monilifera 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 2. It is in flower from April to May, 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.

Distribution

Central N. America - Saskatchewan to Manitoba, south to Texas and New Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Gum Inner bark[105, 161, 177]. A pleasant sweet flavour[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. Young shoots - cooked[105, 161, 177]. The cottony fruit has been used by children as a chewing gum[257]. (This almost certainly refers to the seedpods[K])

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiinflammatory Febrifuge Poultice The bark of most, if not all members of the genus contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body[213, 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 seed down has been used as an absorbent dressing on open sores[257].

Known Hazards

None known