Cottonwood, Fremont cottonwood, Fremont Poplar, Western Cottonwood

Populus fremontii

Physical Characteristics

Populus fremontii is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft 0in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen in April. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California to Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Edible Uses: Gum Catkins - raw or cooked[106, 229]. Eaten as a snack[257]. The young green seedpods have been chewed as a gum[257]. Inner bark[106]. 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.

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiinflammatory Antiscorbutic Febrifuge The inner bark was consumed by various native North American Indian tribes in order to prevent scurvy[61, 229]. 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]. An infusion of the bark and leaves has been used to wet a cloth which is then tied around the head as a treatment for headaches[257]. The infusion has also been used as a wash on cuts, bruises, wounds and insect stings[257]. A poultice of the boiled bark and leaves has been used to treat swellings caused by muscle strain[257].

Known Hazards

None known