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Populus deltoides, Populus angustifolia, Populus trichocarpa, Populus balsamifera

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
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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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