Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia)

Family: Salicaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Populus angustifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetener. — Inner bark There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread.; A 'honeydew', produced on the undersides of leaves by aphis, was collected by various native North American Indian tribes and used as a sweetener.; The buds have been used as a chewing gum.

Habitat & North American Range

Streambanks in dry mountains, foothills and dry plains. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)