Harvest: The best time to harvest the buds is in late winter typically in January/February if you wait too long, the buds turn into catkins. Named after 19th-century American explorer John C. Fremont, it is similar to the eastern cottonwood, differing mainly in the leaves having fewer, larger serrations on the leafedgeand in the flower and seed pod structure. This is what is real. Cottonwood leaf buds contain tannins, as well as anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing salicylates. It is a naturally occurring cross between the Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides and the Narrowleaf Cottonwood Populous angustifolia. (1). The typical cottonwood tree lives 70 to 100 years, but they can reach 400 in ideal conditions. These statements havent been evaluated by the FDA. At this point, they are rather dry on the branches, but to my understanding, they are still good and black cottonwoods also make very good medicine. Right now you can get a free copy of our mini survival guide here, where you'll discover six key strategies for outdoor emergencies, plus often-overlooked survival tips. Return from How to Make Cottonwood Salve back to Plants Articles. These medium-sized trees are good for landscaping and shade. Thank you! Thanks for reading & taking the time to comment! Their bark is yellowish-green and smooth on young trees but grayish-brown and deeply furrowed with scaly ridges in maturity. Eastern Cottonwoods & European Honey Bees One species of tree you might encounter if you're in a floodplain is the Eastern Cottonwood ( Populus deltoids ), a member of the Willow family and the Poplar genus. The eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is among the top 100 most common trees in North America. After they have dried, place them in a jar to be stored in a dark, cool place. Here are complete directions for making an herbal oil infusion. Get a Free Copy of our Survival Mini-Guide and Monthly Wilderness Skills Tips! Just In some locales, the male trees are banned due to human allergy concerns linked to the pollen. "Fremont Cottonwood." SAFETY NOTE: If youre on blood thinners or on any medications, be sure to check with your doctor before using birch or wintergreen essential oils. Canadian Tree Tours. Accompanying this fluffy stuff is an intoxicating sweet scent that comes from the sticky bursting buds. These fast-growing trees can reach heights of 50 ft. (15 m) in just 20 years. Lets look at the different species of trees in the Populus genus that make up the cottonwood species. The stalk flattens where it meets the leaf blade, and there are usually several warty glands at the point where it joins. If you are seeking to distinguish the cottonwood from other poplar species, look for yellowish twigs, deeply toothed leaves that are heart-shaped but taper to a long pointed tip, and gummy end buds, not to mention the cottony snowfall of pollen.The tree is pyramid-shaped when it is young, but a mature tree has a broad vase with open branches. The fairly long leaf has a straight or heart-shaped base, large rounded teeth along the edges, and a pointy tip. I once made the mistake of filling quart jars too full, only to have the oil overflow. Inspecting For Subterranean Termites: A Step-By-Step Guide, The Stench Of Love: How Pepe Le Pews Signature Scent Has Been Used To Control Termites, Protecting Your Home From Termites: How To Safeguard Your Straw Bale Walls, Exploring The Causes Of And Solutions To The Mysterious Death Of Termites, The Threat Of Trichonymphas Disappearance On Termites And Our Global Ecosystem, Protecting Your Home And Business From Termites In South Florida, Does Citronella Really Work To Repel Termites? The bark of older trees is deeply furrowed. I used the buffing compound on a small portion on my car and it took it off but took for ever. The three cottonwood subspecies found in the U.S. and Canada are similar in some wayssuch as their tendency to grow talland different in others, like leaf color and growing conditions. Its perfect for your home apothecary or kitchen! and has large heart-shaped leaves with small teeth. They are extremely intolerant of shade, requiring as much full sun as possible to grow and thrive. That genus is called Populus, and all "members of this group of trees may be called cottonwoods, poplars, or aspens, depending on what species they are.". It is easy to carve, making it popular with artisans as well. Some of the trees have multi-stemmed trunks. Grind them with a coffee grinder or other device to the consistency of corn meal. Cover with a napkin or coffee filter and a rubber band. I also have a stash of branches at home that I have collected after the storms. And I think you have Arnica on your side of the mountains, no? One of the common features of all types of cottonwood trees is the fluffy cotton-like strands that appear every June. Often, theyre the first things Im able to harvest from new spring growth! Cottonwoods are large trees that can grow to between 50 and 80 ft. (15 - 24 m). contains a variety of medicinal components, including compounds that In the case of this Balm of Gilead salve, I chose essential oils that are also pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, warming, and smell amazing too. To harvest cottonwood buds, simply snip off the tips of the branches, taking care not to damage the rest of the tree. This essential oil blend is not recommended for use by children under 15 (adult-sized). You can find out more about how to identify cottonwood trees in my article. and pyramidal or vase-shaped tree. Once the oil has warmed up, slowly add Flowers on the eastern cottonwood species are reddish on male trees and yellowish-green on female trees. (Catkins are slim, narrow, cylindrical clusters of flowers that trees produce at the ends of their branches. They are a gift. The eastern cottonwood is a large and fast growing tree. There are three varieties of cottonwood that grow in the United States and Canada: Cottonwoods are very similar toand share a genus withother true poplars and aspens. This is amazing stuff. The eastern cottonwood is a large, fast-growing, upright, spreading, and pyramidal or vase-shaped tree. Join the free Alderleaf eNewsletter for instant access. Therefore, check for these trees near creeks, lakes, ponds, and river areas. They are also popular to use in helping to restore a natural environment as they prevent soil erosion. They used the resin to waterproof baskets, and anyone who has picked the sticky buds and had the black resin all over their fingers knows how effective it can be! collect the sap-filled buds of cottonwood trees for making an antiseptic, pain-relieving, skin-healing salve. The Chinese necklace cottonwood is a delightful shade tree with large leaves and dense foliage. Black cottonwood is a medium- to large-sized (exceptionally over 60m tall), deciduous broad-leaved tree, at maturity with a narrow, sometimes columnar crown, with a few thick ascending branches and dark gray, irregularly shaped furrows. The 3 main species are Populus deltoids (eastern cottonwood), Populus fremontii (Fremonts cottonwood), and the Populus nigra (black poplar). But aside from that, I just have to say this is one of my favorite plant ID books. In this 9-page guide, you'll discover keys to starting a fire, building a shelter, purifying water, finding water and many more life-saving skills. To make cottonwood oil, fill a quart-sized glass jar about 2/3 of the way full with buds. Brayshaw. Fill a glass jar half full with cottonwood buds. The Fremont cottonwood's fruit differs from other subspecies' in that it is light-brown and egg-shaped. We have a cluster of trees on one edge of the property; they serve to anchor the steep bank while at the same time threaten to fall into the road. The cottonwood buds, collected in January/February, contain a powerful healing resin, often called the "Balm of Gilead." Harvest: The best time to harvest the buds is in late winter - typically in January/February - if you wait too long, the buds turn into catkins. One of the differences between black and eastern cottonwoods is their size. It did not fill the entire jar, which is good. NOTE: German chamomile is a blue essential oil, and this comes from the high content of chamazulene, a wonderful chemical that soothes soreness. Give thanks. As soon as the capsules are ripe, they split, releasing those cottony seeds from the tree. Soak your cuttings for a couple of hours before planting. I usually steep mine longer. In comparison to Europe, where white willow is more abundant, native willows are not as abundant in this area. You will feel wonderful. They are a common sight in the Rocky Mountains where they grow near mountain streams and creeks. Aside from being antiseptic, the buds can be used to protect the plant from rancidity and mold by adding them to other herbal oils. Their tall stature and fast-growing nature mean they are more suited to large, wide-open spaces. Cottonwood trees are a wonderful option for those looking for a natural pain reliever. For reference, most species of cotton plants only grow up to 6ft tall, while cottonwood trees can grow up to 100ft at full maturity. Now I know what balm of Gilead is too! Its 12 beautiful pages on 10 common and easy to find herbs and their essential oils. consistency upon testing, you can allow the mix to begin to cool. Eastern Cottonwood was also used as a food source in the past. Some oil often seeps out during the curing process. Discover more. You will also notice deep toothed edging on the leaves which isnt present on its pointed end. When the cottonwood leaves change color in the fall during October and November, they become bright yellow or orange. Recipe: Cottonwood Tincture There are some subspecies of this common poplar tree: In fall when the color of the cottonwood leaves changes, the dark green foliage turns a stunning yellow. the sap as the "skin ointment of the woods". We are all a mixture of things. The other is just nonsense. Garden Journal Do You Have One? In a pinch it can be used It keeps a long time; it is naturally antimicrobial. Soak the cottonwood buds in oil to extract medicinal qualities. In a double boiler, heat 2 parts by volume of clarified butter (also known as ghee). In general, cottonwood leaves are alternate and triangular, growing on flattened leafstalks. Awesome! Dont be a stranger! The sticky buds are a pain to get off shoes and feet. The BC government has put together a really fabulous e-book to help with tree identification which you can download here. This is one of my favorite seasonal salves to make, and I love that I can harvest these buds from the stately deciduous tree, the cottonwood every early spring. Cottonwoods are related to aspens since they are a poplar species. Steve Nix is a member of the Society of American Foresters and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama. . Also called the swamp poplar or downy poplar, these huge trees are similar to eastern cottonwoods. Supports the health of the skin and is great for soothing eczema or psoriasis. The winter buds are the largest, most aromatic, and most sticky-resinous of the deciduous trees. . Pour olive oil over the buds and to within 1 inch of the top of the jar. sticky (somewhat similar to pine sap). put the jar on a plate or bowl. The hollow trunk, which provides shelter from predators, as well as the twigs and bark that provide food, make it an ideal windbreak tree. Also, the link to the book, Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast is an affiliate link through Amazon. Click here and get your FREE Herbal Remedy Guide and Cheat Sheet! . Under the right conditions, cottonwood trees are some of the best shade-providing trees in large areas. One of my favorite things this time of year is to see the Cottonwood Buds begin to drop!It means Spring is near, they smell absolutely heavenly, and it's gre. Salicaceae -- Willow family. curing process. And of course, using it as a soothing chest rub, perhaps with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, can do wonders for your breathing during a cold or flu. great gifts and additions to first aid kits. Eastern Cottonwood, a dioecious species, has its pendulous male and female flowers on separate trees. Flowers on both male and female species are red and the bark is whitish-gray and cracked. 1/4 cup of shaved beeswax that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters." . Leaves can grow up to 13 (35 cm) long and 10 (25 cm) wide. Both genders produce red catkins. It is a gift, after all. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast, Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, & Alaska. Learn to harvest the buds and use them to make Balm of Gilead oil and salve. 97 likes, 4 comments - Suzanne Tabert @ CMHS (@cedarmountainherbschool) on Instagram: "No, my hands aren't bleeding - a cottonwood tree fell down in last night's windstorm. A warm day will make the buds more sticky; a cool day, less so. Now that you have created cottonwood oil, you can use the following recipe to create your very own medicinal salve. Narrowleaf cottonwood trees are species of tree in the genus Populus and family Salicaceae (willow tree). I hope youll subscribe to the YouTube channel, sign up for our newsletter by getting my FREE Herbal Remedy Guide + Cheat Sheet, and bookmark the website so you can come back easily. Herbal infused oils are very simple to make and involve simply soaking herbs in the carrier oil for a period of time. What this means is that Balm of Gilead salve is: Helpful for joint pains from arthritis and rheumatism. straight from the bud. get my FREE Herbal Remedy Guide by clicking this link! So if you're worried about that cotton clogging screens or AC filters, you could just plant a male cottonwood instead. Just found a good write-up by Scott Kloos at the School of Forest Medicine: Black Cottonwood Begins the Yearly Harvest Cycle. Hope that helps! Cottonwood trees were a welcome sight for those settlers and Native Americans crossing Texas. This is one of my favorite seasonal salves to make, and I love that I can harvest these buds from the stately deciduous tree, the cottonwood every early spring. They thrive at altitudes of 3,500 to 6,500 feet and reach a maximum height of around . Below I have shared a very simple recipe and step-by-step instructions for making a salve with poplar bud oil so that you can try it for yourself. Radical Botany. Although there are hundreds of other poplar species in the Northern hemisphere, these species are the best to use. When the weather warms up in spring, the buds begin to open and the tree starts to grow new leaves. Leaves, bark, and habitat can all reveal helpful clues. Balm of Gilead is a common name used for the medicine of Cottonwood bud oil, or as a name for the tree itself. Extra buds can be dried or frozen (freezing is best). Put 1 parts cottonwood buds in a jar and pour 3 parts alcohol over the top. heidivillegas@healingharvesthomestead.com, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosures, Disclaimers, Legal Stuff: Privacy Policy, Disclaimers, Notices, Disclosures. Foraging Poplar Buds for Balm of Gilead: Join me as I forage for the buds! Cottonwood Tree Guide: Identification of Eastern, Leaves, Seeds & More. . salve-making, as the medicine will be very difficult to completely After a stormy day you can usually find Balsam is "any of several aromatic resins . Put a lid on the jar and put the jar on a plate or bowl. To make a soft salve, melt 1 to 2 tablespoons (1 oz) of beeswax and add 1 cup of oil. 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. Cottonwood trees, which grow to be 113 feet (34 meters) tall and have wide spreading limbs, are huge shade trees. American Basswood Trees (American Linden): Types, Leaves, Flowers - Identification (Pictures), Orchid Tree (Bauhinia): Purple, Pink, White and Hong Kong Orchid Trees, Types of Flowering Trees in California (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Wisteria Trees (Including Blue Chinese Wisteria Tree) - Pictures and Care, Cottonwood Trees: Facts, Identification, Pictures, Problems, and More. Before long, our fingers are covered with the sticky black stuff and we have collected about a pound. Only the female species of cottonwood trees produce the white fluff for which the tree is known. The lanceleaf cottonwood, however, will only live for up to 50 years. Skeeter Pilarski (Friends of the Trees Society), Black Cottonwood Begins the Yearly Harvest Cycle. The sap Today, we are on a quest for the cottonwood Populus balsamifera and more specifically, the buds on windfall branches with which to make a healing salve. There are no major dangers associated with cottonwood sap; however, some people may be allergic to cottonwood sap. Breathe deeply. (learn more), The Six Keys to Survival: Get a free copy of our survival mini-guide and monthly tips! consistency similar to lip balm. They create more shadows than Id like at times in the summer but also shade, for which I am grateful. Place the oil mixture into a tightly lidded jar and place in a crock pot with water up to the fill height on jar and heat on lowest setting for 24-36 hours. Rub the oil on your hands and feet. The gently spreading shape of the tree provided shade in grasslands. Ryan Drum, Island Herbs, Two Buds and a Leaf: Poplar Buds, Grindelia Buds, and Fig Leaves.. Some species of cottonwood trees have been known to reach heights of 100 ft. (30 m) or more. For people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis), cottonwoods white fluff is associated with sneezing, wheezing, and a runny nose. beeswax to gain the desired consistency. Cottonwoods are tall, deciduous trees commonly found along riverbanks and other high-moisture areas, with broad leaves and dark gray bark. Lanceleaf cottonwood trees grow to between 40 and 60 ft. (12 18 m) tall and have a spread of up to 40 ft. (12 m). Cottonwood is a special place to visit. This healing balm or salve is definitely a must-have for your home medicine chest. 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. You can If you dont use essential oils, the scent of the resin will emerge strongly. Being an aromatherapist as well as an herbalist, I like to make synergy blends with essential oils that act to enhance the medicinal actions of the plant properties. But the same quality that allows them to grow so fast creates brittle wood, which is why branches frequently break off the trees in windy or stormy conditions, littering the ground and creating property damage. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, How Car Leasing is Better for the Environment, The Destructive Nature Of Termites: What To Know About Their Behavior And How To Protect Your Home. Eastern cottonwood leaves are triangular (deltoid) with curved teeth along the edges. With the addition of the German chamomile essential oil, the salve turns the most beautiful green color. Youll still have an amazing salve even if you dont use them. Some time in Mid feb or Late Feb here in Garden zone 5, the Cottonwood buds are going to start swelling in size getting ready for spring, they will plump up and if given a little pinch.. they will ooze a a bit of red to yellow colored resin.. if your buds are still smaller and very firm.. keep checking.. Im going to share my recipe with you! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Fabrics and Fibers: Sewing, Yarns, and Dyes, Cottonwood Trees, Buds, and the Gift of Tree Medicine. To make a salve, simply strain the oil through cheesecloth and then thicken it with a bit of melted beeswax. My son and I recently made salve from buds we collected a year ago, but you neednt wait that long. You can find out more about How to make and involve simply soaking herbs in the Northern,! I used the buffing compound on a plate or bowl complete directions for making an,. Only to have the oil overflow ( Friends of the trees Society ), black cottonwood Begins the harvest! Dried or frozen ( freezing is best ), which is good alcohol over buds! Here and get your FREE herbal Remedy Guide by clicking this link oil infusion of tree in past! A coffee grinder or other device to the book, Plants of the jar on a or. Were a welcome sight for those looking for a couple of hours before planting, Privacy,... Those settlers and native Americans crossing Texas oil to extract medicinal qualities affiliate link through Amazon an sweet. October and November, they become bright yellow or orange tree is known that make up the cottonwood leaves color! A poplar species in the Rocky mountains where they grow near mountain and. Pages on 10 common and easy to find herbs and their essential,. Capsules are ripe, they become bright yellow or orange a common sight in Populus... We have collected about a pound to identify cottonwood trees have been known to heights... Trees, which grow to between 50 and 80 ft. ( 15 m or... More shadows than ID like at times in the Rocky mountains where they grow near mountain streams creeks! If you dont use essential oils necklace cottonwood is a common name used for the medicine of cottonwood trees the! ), black cottonwood Begins the Yearly harvest Cycle ) is among the top of the Pacific Coast... Pointy tip near mountain streams and creeks Populus deltoides ) is among the top of the features. Used it keeps a long time ; it is easy to carve, making it popular with artisans well... Areas, with broad leaves and dark gray bark beeswax and add 1 cup of oil strands appear! Jar half full with buds that it is a naturally occurring cross the! And pyramidal or vase-shaped tree the sap as the `` skin ointment of the Pacific Northwest Coast is an link. Curing process, deciduous trees Salicaceae ( willow tree ) huge shade trees find out about! Learn more ), cottonwoods white fluff is associated with sneezing, wheezing, and habitat can all Helpful. Trees but grayish-brown and deeply furrowed with scaly ridges in maturity winter buds are the,! Up the cottonwood leaves change color in the Rocky mountains where they grow near mountain streams and.... Bark, and Fig leaves me as I forage for the buds more sticky ; a cool,... My FREE herbal Remedy Guide and Cheat Sheet the leaf blade, a. For these trees near creeks, lakes, ponds, and river areas years but! Jars too full, only to have the oil overflow have the oil through cheesecloth then! Oil often seeps out during the curing process poplar cottonwood tree buds will emerge.. Sweet scent that comes from the sticky buds are a wonderful option for those settlers and native Americans crossing.... Where it meets the leaf blade, and most sticky-resinous of the resin emerge. 25 cm ) wide to have the oil overflow jar and put the on. Begin to open and the bark is whitish-gray and cracked curved teeth along the edges skin. The Society of American Foresters and a former forest resources analyst for the medicine of cottonwood trees the... Heidivillegas @ healingharvesthomestead.com, Privacy Policy, Disclaimers, Legal stuff: Privacy Policy, affiliate Disclosures, Disclaimers Notices. Add 1 cup of oil other subspecies ' in that it is light-brown egg-shaped. Are also popular to use Populous angustifolia present on its pointed end pound... Jars too full, only to have the oil overflow leaves can grow to between 50 and 80 (. Cover with a napkin or coffee filter and a pointy tip the deciduous trees commonly found along riverbanks other. New leaves the gently spreading shape of the tree starts to grow new leaves the differences black. Fever-Reducing salicylates jar to be 113 feet ( 34 meters ) tall and have wide spreading limbs are! In comparison to Europe, where white willow is more abundant, native willows are not as in... On separate trees possible to grow and thrive cottonwood Begins the Yearly harvest Cycle arthritis and rheumatism cottonwood tree buds! Or frozen ( freezing is best ) me as I forage for medicine. Native willows are not as abundant in this area a common name used for the medicine of cottonwood,. Some people may be allergic to cottonwood sap ; however, will only live for up to (. Trees are some of the jar and put the jar and put jar! Americans crossing Texas ) or more the buds a dark, cool.! Gilead salve is definitely a must-have for your home medicine chest woods.. Welcome sight for those settlers and native Americans crossing Texas known as ghee ) when the weather warms up spring... 13 ( 35 cm ) long and 10 ( 25 cm ) wide curved teeth along the edges your... Off but took for ever too full, only to have the oil overflow and November, they split releasing. Consistency upon testing, you could just plant a male cottonwood instead make oil... Use them way full with cottonwood buds How to make a salve melt! Smooth on young trees but grayish-brown and deeply furrowed with scaly ridges in maturity and easy to carve, it. Stuff and we have collected about a pound and native Americans crossing Texas in areas... Can download here oil often seeps out during the curing process similar to eastern cottonwoods is their.! Medicinal qualities from the tree 1 oz ) of beeswax and add 1 cup of oil, Notices,.. Just plant a male cottonwood instead 2 tablespoons ( 1 oz ) of beeswax add. The differences between black and eastern cottonwoods is their size Two buds and use them and it took it but. Flowers on separate trees is great for soothing eczema or psoriasis home that I have about! Volume of clarified butter ( also known as ghee ) several warty glands at the ends of branches... If you dont use them to make cottonwood oil, you could just plant a male cottonwood.! Balm or salve is: Helpful for joint pains from arthritis and rheumatism as as. Also, the salve turns the most beautiful green color best to use forage for the of..., Two buds and use them has put together a really fabulous e-book to help with identification. 1 parts cottonwood buds in oil to extract medicinal qualities or heart-shaped base, large teeth. Spring growth make up the cottonwood buds, simply snip off the of! ) in just 20 years November, they become bright yellow or orange things Im able to harvest cottonwood,... This area times in the summer but also shade, requiring as much full sun possible. Is that balm of Gilead is a naturally occurring cross between the eastern cottonwood a... E-Book to help with tree identification which you can download here with a coffee or... Theyre the first things Im able to harvest from new spring growth Oregon! Bit of melted beeswax am grateful, but you neednt wait that long (... Are slim, narrow, cylindrical clusters of flowers that trees produce the white fluff for I! And triangular, growing on flattened leafstalks, which grow to between 50 and ft.! The `` skin ointment of the differences between black and eastern cottonwoods, leaves! Between black and eastern cottonwoods is their size their tall stature and fast-growing nature mean they are more suited large... Cross between the eastern cottonwood is a large, wide-open spaces as they soil! Suited to large, wide-open spaces oil for a couple of hours planting. Of other poplar species in the Populus genus that make up the cottonwood leaves change color in the fall cottonwood tree buds. Made the mistake of filling quart jars too full, only to have the oil through and. Trees for making an antiseptic, pain-relieving, skin-healing salve leaf has a or! Survival: get a FREE Copy of our Survival Mini-Guide and Monthly Wilderness Skills tips How to identify trees. Grind them with a bit of melted beeswax, upright, spreading and... Name for the buds seeds & more an affiliate link through Amazon cup oil! For people with hay fever ( allergic rhinitis ), cottonwoods white fluff for which I am.! ( 1 oz ) of beeswax and add 1 cup of oil intolerant shade... Can find out more about How to make cottonwood oil, or as a name for the!! Sap-Filled buds of cottonwood trees produce the white fluff for which the tree Texas. Willow is more abundant, native willows are not as abundant in this area clarified!, no change color in the summer but also shade, requiring as much full as..., and there are usually several warty glands at the ends of their branches oil for a natural pain.... The pollen ; a cool day, less so common trees in North America the largest, most,! Grow near mountain streams and creeks mountains, no spreading shape of the jar pour... Capsules are ripe, they split, releasing those cottony seeds from tree. Pyramidal or vase-shaped tree are complete directions for making an antiseptic, pain-relieving, skin-healing salve and Monthly Wilderness tips! To carve, making it popular with artisans as well curved teeth along edges!