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Herbal Database Search ResultsBack to: Pathways Main Search Page For Metaphysical uses visit The Witchs Haven Populus tremula
Physical CharacteristicsA decidious tree growing to 18m by 10m at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower from February to March, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The flowers are 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 are pollinated by Wind. The plant not is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. We rate it 2/5 for edibility and 2/5 for medicinal use. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. Habitats and Possible LocationsBog Garden, Woodland, Canopy.Edible UsesInner bark.Inner bark - dried, ground into a powder then added to flour and used for making bread etc[2, 115]. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[177]. Medicinal UsesDisclaimerAnodyne Antiinflammatory Bach Diuretic Expectorant Febrifuge Stimulant.
The bark and the leaves are mildly diuretic, expectorant and
stimulant[9, 165]. The plant is seldom used medicinally, but is sometimes
included in propriety medicines for chronic prostate and bladder
disorders[9].
Other UsesCharcoal Shelterbelt Soil conditioner Wood.
A very fast growing and wind resistant tree, it can be planted to
provide a shelterbelt[11, 24]. Trees can also be planted to improve heavy
clay soils in neglected woodlands[200].
Cultivation detailsA very easily grown plant, it does well in a heavy cold damp soil[1], preferring a neutral to acid soil, and avoiding calcareous soils[11, 24]. The sub-species P. tremula davidiana. (Dode.)Schneid. is tolerant of extremely alkaline soils[200]. The species generally prefers a deep rich well-drained circumneutral soil, growing best in the south and east of Britain[11, 200]. Growth is much less on wet soils, on poor acid soils and on thin dry soils[11]. This species grows well on poor soils, probably because of its intolerance of competition[186]. Plants are very tolerant of exposure[24], doing well in cold exposed sites so long as sufficient moisture is present. Plants dislike shade[186], and are intolerant of root or branch competition[200].A fast growing tree but it is short-lived[186]. Trees produce suckers freely and can form dense thickets[186]. The aspen is a very good wildlife plant, it has over 90 associated insect species[24] and is a food plant for the green hairstreak butterfly[186]. Poplars have very extensive and aggressive root systems that can invade and damage drainage systems. Especially when grown on clay soils, they should not be planted within 12 metres of buildings since the root system can damage the building's foundations by drying out the soil[11]. Can be planted to improve heavy clay soils in neglected woodlands[200]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. PropagationSeed - must be sown as soon as it is ripe in spring[113]. Poplar seed has an extremely short period of viability and needs to be sown within a few days of ripening[200]. 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 old 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[11].Cuttings of mature wood in November/December in a sheltered outdoor bed. This species is rather difficult from cuttings[11, 113]. Suckers in early spring[78]. Root cuttings in the winter[200]. SuppliersPlants For A Future is working with the following groups to try and make these plants easily available. Parts of the proceeds will be donated to so please mention us when ordering.
For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look. PFAF Web PagesThis plant is mentioned in the following web pages
Web References
References for the family Salicaceae.
See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources. Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images. References[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951 [2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6 [9] Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981 ISBN 0-600-37216-2 [11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981 [17] Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962 [24] Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden. [78] Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948 [113] Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009 [115] Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. [165] Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. [177] Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169 [186] Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold 1979 [200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 [209] Chancellor. P. M. Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. 1985 ISBN 85207 002 0 [213] Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980 ISBN 0-449-90589-6 [238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 Readers CommentsMain Search Page Help Bibliography
Plant information taken from the
Plants For A Future -
Species Database.
Copyright (c) 1997-2003.
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We make no claims of magical effects or supernatural powers for any item in this catalog. In spite of legendary attributes or occult and craft tradition, such items are offered as curios only and beliefs concerning their magical effectiveness are related only for historical interest. |
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