Herb: Grey Poplar


Latin name: Populus x canescens


Family: Salicaceae (Willow Family)



Medicinal use of Grey 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:
30 m
(98 feet)

Flowering:
February
to March

Habitat of the herb:

Probably native in damp woods in S. C. and E. England.

Other uses of Grey Poplar:

A fast growing tree, tolerant of salt winds, it can be grown in a shelterbelt. Wood - soft, rather woolly in texture, without smell or taste, of low flammability, not durable, very resistant to abrasion.

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. Layering. Root cuttings in winter.

Cultivation of Grey Poplar:

Probably native in damp woods in S. C. and E. England.

Known hazards of Populus x canescens:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.