Herb: Canadian Poplar


Latin name: Populus x canadensis


Synonyms: Populus x euroamericana


Family: Salicaceae (Willow Family)



Medicinal use of Canadian Poplar:

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, 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. 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.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
40 m
(131 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

A group of naturally occurring hybrids between P. nigra and P. deltoidea.

Other uses of Canadian Poplar:

An extract of the shoots can be used as a rooting hormone for all types of cuttings. It is extracted by soaking the chopped up shoots in cold water for a day. A fast-growing and wind resistant tree, it can be used in a shelterbelt planting. In more exposed sites there is some wind-pruning. The tree is late coming into leaf and so often escapes the spring storms. Wood - soft, rather woolly in texture, without smell or taste, of low flammability, not durable, very resistant to abrasion. Wood - soft, moderately strong, easily worked, rather woolly in texture, without smell or taste, of low flammability, not durable, very resistant to abrasion. Used in making the staves of barrels and woodenware, it turns well. It makes an excellent fuel.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - must be sown as soon as it is ripe in spring. Poplar seed has an extremely short period of viability and needs to be sown within a few days of ripening. Surface sow or just lightly cover the seed in trays in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame. If sufficient growth is made, it might be possible to plant them out in late summer into their permanent positions, otherwise keep them in the cold frame until the following late spring and then plant them out. Most poplar species hybridize freely with each other, so the seed may not come true unless it is collected from the wild in areas with no other poplar species growing. This species is a hybrid and will not come true from seed. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 20 - 40cm long, November/December in a sheltered outdoor bed or direct into their permanent positions. Very easy. Suckers in early spring.

Cultivation of Canadian Poplar:

A group of naturally occurring hybrids between P. nigra and P. deltoidea.

Known hazards of Populus x canadensis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.