Ingredients. Your email address will not be published. Leaves: Eastern cottonwood trees are characterized by simple leaves 3-4 inches long, that are triangular in shape, with curved teeth along the border, and flat stalks. There is no need to reject these gifts of nature discovered by our ancestors so long ago! Whenever you make a product that concentrates the compounds of an edible plant the product may not be edible anymore, use caution if using any concentrated product internally. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast, Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, & Alaska. Or is it that it blooms at the same time as plants that are true allergins? Take them. Its trunk is deeply furrowed, the leaves are alternate and shaped like a heart, the flowers are male and female catkins that form seeds that burst into fluff and fill the air with a springtime snow. The buds also contain salicin and populin, compounds that reduce pain, inflammation, and fevers. “Black Cottonwood and the Balm of Gilead (Populus balsamifer ssp. Because it is so antibacterial, I think of it as “bee medicine.”, Resources: Native tribes revered the Black Cottonwood, found all along the northwest coast and extending inland. An oil or salve made from this resin can bring relief to pain caused by swelling, arthritis, strains, and general muscle pains. Are people truly allergic to this wondrous healing tree? According to a very reputable edible plant database (pfaf.org) cottonwood leaves contain a greater amino acid content then rice, corn, wheat, and barley. Size (H x W): 60-200 ft high; 2-5 ft. diameter – tallest among the poplar varieties I have often made a rooting hormone from willows, but did not realize that the Black Cottonwood ALSO contains natural rooting hormones that can increase the rooting success of cuttings. Let it sit from 6 weeks to a year or more. The bark of young trunks is similar to the pale greenish white color of other members of this genus. Listen to the wisdom of your body when it says “don’t eat this.” We know when something is medicinally beneficial; there’s no need to *force* a medicinal plant into a the role of a food-plant. Cottonwood leaves are triangular with course teeth along the margins. The buds in late winter/early spring are thick with a sticky strong-scented balsamic resin, commonly known as the Balm of Gilead (but that from biblical times actually refers to a different plant). They are a gift. Feral Botanicals Human bodies know what is good and what is bad, chemically and nutritionally, by TASTE. Cottonwood tree seeds can make quite the mess, so it’s understandable to want them gone. The resins from the buds also possess antifungal and antimicrobial properties in the form of flavones. In springtime, when we’re craving green leaves, linden leaves are delicious; as are nettles and cattail shoots. Cottonwoods love to grow on river banks or other water drainages. I would encourage more people to experiment with eating cottonwood buds and leaves in different ways. When to Harvest: Buds appear on cottonwood trees from late winter to early spring. Perhaps I have something on my plant or seed lists that you would like. Cottonwoods are the largest trees in Arizona. A closely related species (Populus balsamifera) is used to make a North American version of balm of gilead, a fragrant oil with medicinal benefits. I just like to share what I learn. In my opinion this plant could be an important edible plant because of its high amino acid content, especially for people that don’t eat meat. Feral Botanicals uses a mixture of cottonwood bud, elecampane, and mullein for dry, persistent coughs, which makes a lot of sense. More beeswax (2 ounces, or ¼ cup) will make a firmer, lotion “bar.” It is handy to have a small container wherever you are most likely to use it – in the medicine cabinet, first aid kit, in your car, purse, with your gardening things, etc. Herbs with Rosalee: Cottonwood Benefits  Trichocarpa)” They are high in vitamin C and can be eaten raw or added to soups and stews. The buds of the Balsam Poplar tree (P. balsamifera) are pungent and powerful. If you wait another week or two, these buds will swell with the resin and then the leaves will unfold. From shop LindenTreeHerbals ... 5-pk Cottonwood tree letterpress notecards emprint. The resin is the sap from the tree. It is only those that I now have growing, have grown in the past, or intend to start. This is the smell of Spring in my world, the smell of hope, new life and joy. Description: If it is a warm day, the resin will be more sticky, so it is good to gather when it is cold. Soak the cottonwood buds in oil to extract medicinal qualities. This table is my working list of perennial herbs and shrubs that germinate better with a period of cold stratification. Because cottonwood trees are so tall, only a professional can safely reach and cover the tippy top of the tree. The Fremont Cottonwood, also known as the Western Cottonwood or the Rio Grande Cottonwood, Populus fremontii, occurs in California east to Utah and Arizona and south into northwest Mexico. Cottonwood bark is often a favorite medium for artisans. It is both antifungal / antibacterial and a rooting stimulant. Harvesting poplar tree buds every March is one of my absolute favorite annual rituals. Cottonwood Tincture. The resin is also known to promote cell growth, making it good for healing wounds. Cottonwood buds and bark contain salicin which is a compound that likely breaks down into salicylic acid (asprin). Scientific Name: Populus trichocarpa; Populus balsamifera It is easy to spot the Black Cottonwood, growing in tall clusters along the riverbeds. The buds of the tree, which are available from fall to late winter, exude a resin that many call “balm of gilead.” What I like to do is make a rich, luxurious balm of gilead oil with the buds. Otherwise, the tree is so tall, the branches are far too high up – and, well, it is best to leave live branches for the tree, anyway. These trees are often seen along the edge of water bodies. I make a great ointment for arthritis with cottonwood bud, dandelion flower and sweet violet leaves. Learn more … Continue reading To locate a Populus tree near you, head to the nearest river, hardwood swamp, or drainage ditch. You can smell the fragrance in the air on the first warm days. The 2020 harvest is completely sold. The cottonwood buds contain the sticky resin that is responsible for the healing properties of Balm of Gilead. Many medicinal uses. Because some of the medicinal properties are not water-soluble, they might be better extracted with a tincture, which can be used as an expectorant and for getting rid of coughs and colds. Put all these identification features together and you should be able to confidently identify cottonwood trees. Requirements: Sun, Soil, Water: Likes to live along stream banks and in wet areas; river soil, damp/wet conditions; full sun. I used 2oz of cottonwood buds, but you can certainly make a larger batch. Cottonwood branch. You can pre-order at the current price, for delivery in the spring. I am hoping this list will be of help to others, but as always, be sure to do your own research! Populus deltoides is a large tree growing to 20–60 m (65–195 ft) tall and with a trunk up to 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) diameter, one of the largest North American hardwood trees. Many people recognize this tree from the cottony substance that falls from the trees in early summer. A mason jar; 1 part cottonwood buds; 3 parts high-proof alcohol; Directions. I take it with me all the time on hikes. Those with chicken pox or who are on blood thinners should also avoid it for the same reason. Blueberry and hazelnut paste sandwiched between layers of young green cottonwood leaves? Once the leaves break the window for the harvest season is over. The bark, which is usually harvested in the fall after a tree's death, is generally very soft and easy to carve. [table id=12 /], My Wish List 2019 I feel like I am writing to Santa Claus! Extra buds can be dried or frozen (freezing is best). I have found that the buds are still good even from those branches that have broken off earlier in the year. As the Latin term Populus candicans suggests, Balm of Gilead Buds are derived from a species of the poplar tree, which is indigenous to North America, where it is better known as the cottonwood tree. Give thanks. Plants are indexed in a way that makes them easy to find, and I appreciate how the authors have included information on indigenous peoples’ uses of various plants, along with many other interesting tidbits that help you to feel the personality of each plant. Water your tender seedlings with the water. I usually steep mine longer. Populus deltoides, commonly called eastern cottonwood, is a large, fast-growing, deciduous tree that typically grows 50-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a broad, open-rounded shaped habit. What. Cottonwood buds have anti-fungal, anti-microbial & anti-inflammatory properties. But because cottonwood buds aren’t easily found in commerce, finding and harvesting them yourself is an herbal right of passage. And it smells sooooo good. The cottonwood buds can be steeped as a tea for respiratory congestion. it tastes like you literally opened up your washer, which had laundry detergent and bleach in it, and took out one of the t-shirts which you bleached extra hard, and just ate it. I think maybe the best case scenario would be sort of a glaze mixed vegetable dish with loads of garlic). This was a surprise to me when I learned that not only are cottonwood leaves edible but they are extremely nutritious. Exercise caution anytime you use a new product externally or internally. Thank you, Nick, for the OceanWP theme! Other active compounds include humulene, gallic acid, malic acid, mannitol, chrysin, tectochrysin, arachidonic acid, trichocarpin, and bisabolol. (L) denotes seeds that require light to germinate. This video, explaining the cottonwood at length is part of an educational series, by the Friends of the San Pedro River. Cottonwood bark. The resinous, aromatic, unopened flower buds are harvested and dried. Balm of Gilead buds are also known as Balsam Poplar or Cottonwood buds. This is one of those plants that a lot of people are aware of but many people simply view as a weed tree. Tuliptrees have very distinctive leaves. Next, pour the alcohol over the buds. Family: Salicaceae Visit their website for a lot of great information on the medicinal uses of this tree. Buds are often resinous (sticky), but both buds and twigs are much lighter in color than P. balsamifera, the only other Populus species with heavily resinous buds. Can be taken by the dropperful diluted in a glass of water several times per day. They taste terrible. I rather enjoy finding descriptive comparisons such as yours to describe the taste of certain plants. Recipe: Cottonwood Tincture Prepare it the same way as with the willows: cut small stems (not leaves) into small pieces; cover with boiling water; steep overnight. Throw another dual networking plant into the mix, like a creeping wintergreen (ecto and ericoid) and you can link up a blueberry bush (ericoid) to the whole network. If you love to try new wild edibles, give this a try and leave a comment below with your experiences. Also, the link to the book,  “Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast” is an affiliate link through Amazon. Cottonwood leaf buds contain tannins, as well as anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing salicylates. From shop emprint. Cottonwood Buds, resinous and shiny. Put 1 parts cottonwood buds in a jar and pour 3 parts alcohol over the top. Your contributions are gratefully accepted and make this site possible. 44 It is a common tree throughout the Pacific NW. The cottonwood buds, collected in January/February, contain a powerful healing resin, often called the “Balm of Gilead.” Cottonwood resin is VERY sticky – and it smells wonderful! This would be used externally or internally for pain relief, inflammation or fever. I make an infused oil from these buds that I can use directly on my skin and also make a salve that I use externally for pain relief from swelling, arthritis, strains and general muscle pains. Cottonwood trees are recognized by many people but the edibility of their leaves and health benefits of cottonwood buds are often overlooked. They kill very small animals, specifically the insects. we will begin the spring harvest in March, 2021. Plants don’t want to be eaten, and they protect themselves by making bad-tasting chemicals, but also, usually, by adding in alkaloid chemicals with toxic properties. Imagine that, in your mouth. I also have not tried cooking them. The buds, which are high in antioxidants and Vitamin C, can be steeped in a tea for respiratory congestion, tossed in soups, or eaten raw. Thank you for visiting these Cottonwood Tree Pictures at Tree Pictures Online.com, please come back soon for more great tree pictures! One could also gently heat the buds and oil in a double boiler for an hour or so and then let it steep overnight, but the longer soak is preferable. February and early March are often the best time in the Pacific Northwest to collect the sap-filled buds of cottonwood trees for making an antiseptic, pain-relieving, skin-healing salve. Fill a jar half full of buds, cover with olive oil plus a bit more, but not to the top, as the buds will expand a bit and the jar will overflow if it is too full. Cottonwood buds and bark contain salicin which is a compound that likely breaks down into salicylic acid(asprin). This is a tree that is very abundant in my area and I have eaten small portions of cottonwood leaves before, but they tend to be very bitter. Mugwort, an Age-Old Herb that Uncovers Our Herbal History, Common Reed (Phragmites), an Age Old Sweet Treat, Wild Parsnip, Flagrant Foilage but a Tasty Taproot, Eastern Prickly Pear, Hardy Spines Hiding a Sweet Treat, Evening Primrose, a Nutritious and Medicinal Garden Favorite, Waterlily, a Decorative and Nutritious Wild Edible, Yellow Pond Lily, Cheerful Blooms and Popcorn like Snacks, American Lotus, Fun to Forage and Highly Nutritious, Watercress, a Peppery Wild Edible with Informed Foraging, Mulberry, Wild Sweet Fruits and Favored in the Silk Industry, Chamomile: Just a tinge brightens up your day. The resinous, aromatic unopened flower buds are harvested and made into dried herbs. The wise old Cottonwood trees have been a part of this phenomenon for at least 2 million years as indicated by the fossil record. Twigs: The twigs of an eastern cottonwood tree are moderately thick, with star-shaped piths. That’s really interesting stuff. Your email address will not be published. These may either be gray or green in color. These 2 features are shared by other related species such as the tuliptree(Liriodendron tulipifera). Measure out the cottonwood buds you want to use and add them to the jar. Another good identification feature is their deeply furrowed bark. In fact, it is like the buds can still gather energy from the branch, because as it gets closer to spring, even the buds on downed branches will start to swell. Additional Notes: I would think it would be quite bitter, but it is good to know that it is edible and healthy for you. One way to do that is by spraying the tree with a growth regulator that contains ethephon. This list is by no means all inclusive! Poplar trees are also commonly referred to as cottonwood trees … Cottonwood trees are also known to be brittle and I personally have seen a number of them break in moderate winds. 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