American Aspen - Poplar, Quaking aspen

Populus tremuloides

Physical Characteristics

Populus tremuloides is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 1. It is in flower in 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

N. America - Alaska to Newfoundland, south to Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Sap Edible Uses: Inner bark - raw or cooked[257]. It can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a flour[61, 105, 183, 213, 257]. This is normally mixed with other flours for making bread etc and can also be used as a thickener in soups. It is best used in the spring[172]. Sap - can be tapped and used as a drink[105, 161, 183]. It has also been used as a flavouring with wild strawberries[257]. Catkins - raw or cooked. Bitter[172].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anodyne Antiinflammatory Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Febrifuge Nervine Poultice Salve Stimulant Urinary American aspen has a long history of herbal use. It was widely employed medicinally by many native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for its antiseptic and analgesic qualities, using it in the treatment of wounds, skin complaints and respiratory disorders[257]. It is used for the same purposes in modern herbalism. The stem bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, nervine and stimulant[4, 61, 165, 213, 238]. The bark contains salicylates, from which the proprietary medicine aspirin is derived[238]. It is used internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, lower back pains, urinary complaints, digestive and liver disorders, debility, anorexia, also to reduce fevers and relieve the pain of menstrual cramps[238]. Externally, the bark is used to treat chilblains, haemorrhoids, infected wounds and sprains[238]. The bark is harvested from side branches or coppiced trees and dried for later use[238]. An infusion of the inner bark is considered to be a remedy for coughs[213] and an appetite stimulant, it is also used in the treatment of stomach pains, urinary ailments, VD, worms, colds and fevers[222]. The root is poulticed and applied to cuts and wounds[222]. A tea from the root bark is used as a treatment for excessive menstrual bleeding[222]. The leaf buds are used as a salve for colds, coughs and irritated nostrils[222]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Populus tremuloides American Aspen for haemorrhoids, wounds & burns (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Possible toxic effects due to salicylates (e.g. heartburn, tinnitus). Avoid with ulcers, stomach or peptic ulcers [301].