Plains Cottonwood (Populus deltoides monilifera)

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

Populus deltoides monilifera 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 2. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant sweet flavour. — A pleasant sweet flavour.; 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.; Young shoots - cooked.; The cottony fruit has been used by children as a chewing gum.

Habitat & North American Range

Streamsides in the eastern foothills of the Rockies. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)