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Populus deltoides, Populus angustifolia, Populus trichocarpa, Populus balsamifera

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Record ID:56

Naming

Botanical Name: Populus deltoides, Populus angustifolia, Populus trichocarpa, Populus balsamifera
Common Names: Black Cottonwood, Eastern Cottonwood, Fremont Cottonwood, Balm of Gilead, Poplar
Key Name: Cottonwood
Parts Used: Buds, bark, leaves, inner bark
Sister Plants: Willows (Salix spp.), Poplars (Populus alba, Populus balsamifera), Aspens (Populus tremuloides)
Comments: Versatile tree with ecological and medicinal significance; used globally for millennia

Characteristics

Identifying Character: Large tree (150-200 ft), deeply furrowed grey-brown bark, shiny dark green leaves with silvery undersides, heart-shaped or triangular leaves with coarse teeth, resinous buds in winter, cottony seeds in summer
Stem: Smooth light grey in young trees, deeply furrowed dark brown with age
Leaves: Triangular, 3-7 cm, shiny green above, silvery below, coarse crenate-serrate teeth
Flowers: Catkins (male: reddish, 2-3 cm; female: green, 8-20 cm), bloom March-April
Fruit: Light green seed capsules, split into 3 valves, release cottony seeds
Taste: Bitter (bark, leaves), resinous (buds)
Odour: Sweet, balsamic, pine-honey-like scent from buds
Root: Extensive, aggressive root system; can sprout from broken roots
Image: Populus deltoides, Populus angustifolia, Populus trichocarpa, Populus balsamifera
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.7_-ZHVR8UH2ADLoQD-phrwHaIF%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=34e8853e0126a90f9df12164e585423087cd7ea9e6151e099eed0e97dad84abc&ipo=images

Distribution

Distribution: North America (riparian zones, wetlands, floodplains), Europe, Asia; prefers moist, alluvial soils
Cultivation: Grows in moist, well-drained alluvial soils; propagates via root sprouts or cuttings; tolerates some salt
Harvest: Buds: Late winter/early spring from fallen branches; Bark: From fallen limbs; Leaves: Spring/summer

Medical

Therapeutic Action: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent
Medical Uses: Relieves muscle pain, arthritis, swelling, fever, respiratory conditions (bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma), colds, coughs, skin conditions (burns, eczema, cuts), urinary tract infections, scurvy prevention
Constituents: Salicin (aspirin precursor), salicylates, tannins, flavones, antioxidants, resins
Solvents: Oil (olive, sesame), alcohol (vodka, brandy), honey
Dosage: External: Apply salve/oil as needed; Internal: 15-30 drops tincture in water every 2-3 hours; honey: 1 tsp in tea
Administration: External: Salve, oil, liniment for pain, skin issues; Internal: Tincture, honey infusion, steam inhalation
Formulas: Combine with arnica, St. John’s Wort for pain salve; usnea, saxifrage, licorice for sore throat spray
Contra Indications: May cause allergies (skin rashes, respiratory irritation); avoid in aspirin-sensitive individuals; consult healthcare provider before internal use
Preparation: Infused oil: Cover buds with olive oil, heat low (100-140°F) 2-3 days or steep 6 weeks; Tincture: 2 parts alcohol to 1 part buds
Chinese: No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Veterinary: Used for chafing sores, swollen horse legs; wash for wounds
Homeopathic: No known homeopathic use documented

Pollination and Pollinators

Apis: No
Pollinator: 1
Pollen: Yes
Pollen Notes: Wind-dispersed, may cause allergies; bees collect for propolis
Nectar: Yes
Nectar Notes: Used by bees for propolis; supports pollinator health

Other

Non-Medical Uses: Wood for friction fires, saddle trees, baskets; bark for buckets, fiber; resin as bee propolis; ecological role in air/soil purification
Culinary Uses: Inner bark historically eaten by Native Americans to prevent scurvy; not common in modern cuisine
History: Used by Native Americans (e.g., Cherokee for rheumatism, scurvy); European settlers for fever, malaria; Biblical Balm of Gilead reference
Reference: Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West; NCBI; Herbalremediesadvice.org
URL: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/cottonwood-benefits.html
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