Vegetative characters are variable even on the same plant. They inhabit riparian areas, especially along streams. Photo by Charles Webber, California Academy of Science. sow bear looks out of her winter hibernation hole high up in a broken off cottonwood tree and watches a raven that is squawking nearby. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. […] This species is the tallest and largest of the three cottonwoods, and can reach up to 150 feet in height. Here in the Pacific Northwest, Native Americans utilized an incredible diversity of trees for edible cambium including Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum), Red Alder, Lodgepole Pine, Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides), and Black Cottonwood.The air alighting with Cottonwood down is a pretty dramatic phenological … Black Cottonwood Tree Identification. Mailstop Code: 1103 1400 Independence Ave., SW The base of the leaves can be either wedge or heart shaped. Males are green to red, females are green/pale yellow. The limbs bear alternate leaves which are simple, broadly ovate and 3”-5” long. Native American Ethnobotany (University of Michigan - Dearborn) (POBA2) Black cottonwood is a large deciduous tree belonging to the willow family (Salicaceae). Cottonwood Populus balsamifera This is one of my all time favorite resin buds to infuse. Black cottonwood. This native tree grows rapidly. Willows The Willow Family– Salicaceae Salix sp. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 1 1: 1 18-1 23. , AND R. F. STETTLER. Vancouver (BC): Lone Pine Publishing. Exact identification of these trees and shrubs is extremely difficult. Medicines and perfumes were made from balsam in Europe, and it plays a role in Christian rituals. 2004. Relationships: There are more than 300 species of willow worldwide, mostly in the northern hemisphere. Populus balsamifera ssp. Black cottonwood resin has disinfectant properties and has been used by Coast Salish people for sore throats and coughs as well as being applied directly to wounds to prevent infection. Ethnobotany Inner bark & cambium were eaten Buds used medicinally Habitat Value Nesting habitat for eagles & osprey, which are large birds of prey Sponsors City of Bellingham Washington State Department of Ecology Black Cottonwood. Black cottonwood series NVCS (2009) Populus balsamifera ssp. The trees are fast-growing taking 30-75 years to reach maturity. Cottonwood is a well-known, common tree along rivers and streams throughout the West.Cultivation of hybrid poplars (Populus trichocarpa x. P. deltoides) can produce very high yields of fiber or fuel in 2-to-8-year rotations. Pojar, J and MacKinnon, A. Populus is the Latin name for poplar; balsamifera (“balsam-bearing”) refers to the resinous substance in the buds of the tree, thought to resemble balsam. Related Species: White Poplar (Populus alba) Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) Black Poplar (Populus nigra) European Aspen (Populus tremula) Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Related Articles: Balsam is a term for various plant saps with a pleasing odor. This condensed list of western Washington plants was created by Scott Clay-Poole, PhD. Although the flowers are inconspicuous,this species is well known for its fuzzy fruits, which during spring and early summer float down from the trees, creating the appearance of a light warm-season snowfall. The balsam used by churches is often derived from another subspecies, P. balsamifera ssp. Traditional Uses of Cottonwood While most herbalists are using cottonwood buds to relieve inflammation, pain, and as an antimicrobial, there are many additional … Occasionally slightly lighter, with a dark brown or purplish hue. ), Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) from the Tetons in Wyoming, and Black Cottonwood or a Black / Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) hybrid from the Great Basin National Park, Nevada. Last measured in April, 2008, this black cottonwood was found to be standing at 155 ft (47 m) tall, 29 ft (8.8 m) around, with 527 points. Habitat: In Washington state, this tree can be found along wetlands, streambanks, lake shores, and moist woods. The tree develops a straight cylindrical trunk with a narrow crown. Black Cottonwood make millions of seeds, usually in the last week of May and the seeds are dispersed on the winds- casting themselves as far from the mother tree as possible. The infused oil smells incredible and is highly beneficial in salves, gels, or massage oils for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The cottony seeds are often seen drifting in a summer breeze, giving the tree its common name of Cottonwood. Trichocarpa means with hairy fruits, referring to its fluffy seeds. Black Cottonwood USDA POBAT: Bella Coola Drug, Pulmonary Aid Infusion of buds and animal fat taken for whooping cough. Black cottonwoods. trichocarpa range map. The wood is also used for fuel. The aggressive root systems of black cottonwood are effective soil Black cottonwood catkins. Plant Profiles - Ethnobotany Submitted by admin on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 3:40pm These profiles were created by ES 421 students as a part of their final plant project. The name of another New Mexican town, Alamogordo, means “the fat cottonwood tree.”. Balsamifera means balsam (aromatic resin)-bearing. I98 1. Color/Appearance: Often completely black, with little or no discernible grain. southcentral alaska. Ethnobotany Black cottonwood resin has disinfectant properties and has been used by Coast Salish people for sore throats and coughs as well as being applied directly to wounds to prevent infection. Photo by Linda Swartz. The fluffy seeds can travel 20 miles on a breeze, they can be carried on streams and rivers and rest in a vernal pool. Black cottonwood leaf buds and stems protected by resins which allow for early leaf growth; the resins are also medicine for people (Populus balsamifera ssp. This plant has no children Legal Status. A cottonwood in Willamette Mission State Park near Salem, Oregon, holds the national and world records. It is known as a good light Bark: Mature bark is brown and rugged and looks similar to Douglas-fir’s bark. 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 leaf edge and small … Economic uses of the black cottonwood include course lumber and the manufacture of wood products such as paper. The Spanish name for cottonwoods is “álamo,” leading the conclusion that the proper Spanish name for this tree is “álamo negro.” This name has lent itself to some famous places in America, such as the Alamo in San Antonio, site of a famous battle for Texan independence, as well as Los Alamos, New Mexico, site of American nuclear laboratories. Leaves: leathery/waxy dark green upper surface, with a lighter green underside. Also like willows, leaf buds contain salicin which is a powerful anti-inflamatory and pain-reducer. Biomass production in a 4-year plantation. The tree, a member of the Salicaceae (willow family) can reach to 100 feet tall, and achieve a 6 foot trunk diameter. 11. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE), http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/blackcottonwood.html, https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_pobat.pdf, http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Populus%20trichocarpa. & Gray ex Hook.) Also like willows, leaf buds contain salicin which is a powerful anti-inflamatory and pain-reducer. Black Cottonwood contains a large amount of rooting hormone, just like willows, so it is useful for plant propagation. The black cottonwoods are still used commercially for particle board, plywood and veneer. Black cottonwoods are very fast growing and are easy to propagate with stem cuttings. trichocarpa temporarily flooded woodland alliance Calveg: Black cottonwood Holland: North Coast black cottonwood riparian forest, Montane black cottonwood riparian forest Munz The bark is rough and dark-colored, thus “black cottonwood”. It is one of the largest of some 40 species of Populus and is the tallest, fastest-growing hardwood in the western United States. Populus balsamifera ssp. This article was written by Jessica Rouske and Sarah Verlinde. Tolerates moisture. Conservation: Black cottonwood is a very fast-growing and potentially large tree, easy to establish, and useful for shade and ornament. Both Cottonwood Trees and Willow Trees produce their own rooting hormone, called auxin. Ethnobotany Black cottonwood resin has disinfectant properties and has been used by Coast Salish people for sore throats and coughs as well as being applied directly to wounds to prevent infection. Black cottonwood is a Pacific Northwest native deciduous tree which can eventually grow to a height of 150’ with a width of 40’. Notable feature: The winter buds are yellow-brown and very pointed. The light weight, fine, and evenly textured wood is one of the popular lumber types for the manufacturing of boxes and pallets. The more tender inner bark was used for food in the spring and summer, and old dead leaves were boiled and used in baths to treat body aches and stomach problems. Paddling into quiet Willamette River off-channel alcoves that are ringed with stately cottonwoods is like entering into an aquatic cathedral with … - black cottonwood stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images They are covered in a resinous substance that is perfumed and smells like balsam. During spring and summer, the light green leaves of the tall trees often indicate a source of water in the deserts the Great Basin or Modoc Plateau. black bears in anchorage, alaska. The following points should help you to identify a black cottonwood. Click on a place name to … WSDOT Ethnobotany and Cultural Resources M 3120.01 Page iii April 2016 Foreword Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship between cultures and plants. Left to right: Mostly certain these are Fremont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) leaves from along the middle Missouri River (South Dakota? The resin is used in medicine and perfume. trichocarpa; photos by Heidi Bohan) The amazing smell of these barks, roots and buds as they are gathered and prepared are each so distinctive, each with their own medicine. Native Americans and herbal products companies use the resin for medicinal purposes as well, particularly for respiratory ailments. Photo by Susan McDougal. Distribution: Widely distributed tree in western North America, Alaska to California, as far east as North Dakota. Prunus virginiana Chokecherry. Black cottonwood also has been planted as windbreaks and shelterbelts and it is commonly used for screening along motorways in Europe. Collection and study from a 2016 road trip. Black Cottonwood contains a large amount of rooting hormone, just like willows, so it is useful for plant propagation. Names: Black Cottonwood is also known as Balsam Poplar. bears. Brayshaw – black cottonwood Subordinate Taxa. Last Saturday JT, Ethnobotany Guide Extraordinaire, lead us, ethnobots, on a foraging walkabout around the Seattle Jackson Place, Judkins Park and International District. Common names are from state and federal lists. It is known as a good light wood. Can be used at a 10 – 25% dilution with other carrier oils such as jojoba or other herbal... Continue Reading Effect of harvest cycle and spacing on productivity of black cottonwood in intensive culture. Also like willows, leaf buds contain salicin which is a powerful anti-inflamatory and pain-reducer. “We’re fortunate to have a campus with so many native plants,” says ethnobotany PhD candidate Fiona Hamersley Chambers, pointing to Garry oak and historic camas meadows, Oregon grape, salal, grand fir, Douglas fir, black cottonwood and especially springbank clover—a food that was traditionally cultivated by First Peoples. Washington DC 20250-1103, Pollinator-Friendly Best Management Practices, Native Plant Material Accomplishment Reports, Fading Gold: The Decline of Aspen in the West, Wildflowers, Part of the Pagentry of Fall Colors, Tall Forb Community of the Intermountain West, Strategic Planning, Budget And Accountability, Recreation, Heritage And Volunteer Resources, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air And Rare Plants. Leaf shapes can vary between diamond or heart-shaped with a finely serrated margin. spring. trichocarpa. trichocarpa temporarily flooded forest alliance, Populus balsamifera ssp. The bark is grey and covered with lenticels, becoming thick and deeply fissured on old trees. ... Populis balsamifera, Black Cottonwood. The pale yellow sapwood is usually very thin, and is clearly demarcated from the darker heartwood. ... ETHNOBOTANY. Both Cottonwood Trees and Willow Trees produce their own rooting hormone, called auxin. Though not as showy as the leaves of their famous (but less common) relative, the quaking aspen, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow in autumn. Formerly: Populus balsamifera spp. Prunus emarginata Bitter Cherry. Small native tree or large shrub growing to 45 ft. tall and 15-25 ft. wide. Genetic variation and productivity of Populus trichocarpa and its hybrids. Black Cottonwood Forest – Portland Walking among forests of giant cottonwoods or any gigantic trees is a humbling and profound experience. US Forest Service, FM-RM-VE Ref… Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alaska. Brayshaw Black Cottonwood USDA POBAT Populus L. – cottonwood Species: Populus balsamifera L. – balsam poplar Subordinate Taxa ... black cottonwood Legal Status. Black Cottonwood. Black Cottonwood contains a large amount of rooting hormone, just like willows, so it is be useful for plant propagation. 1985. Turner, Nancy J., 1973, The Ethnobotany of the Bella Coola Indians of British Columbia, Syesis 6:193-220, page 210 Populus balsamifera ssp. HEILMAN,P., AND D. V. PEABODY. During the late spring, seeds are released in the wind with fine hairs. Black cottonwood’s have a high nitrate uptake making them useful tools for buffering agricultural areas. trichocarpa (Torr. Flowers/Fruits: drooping catkins. It grows in my backyard along the Raging River and throughout the Snoqualmie Valley. The root systems help stabilize the soil, which is especially important for the restoration and conservation of riparian (river) areas they are commonly found growing in. Black Cottonwood is the largest hardwood tree in western North America. Small native tree or large shrub growing to 25-35 ft. high and 12-20 ft. wide. USDA PLANTS Database. For questions regarding the UWB/CC Plant Tour, contact Sarah at severlin@uw.edu. The bark is smooth, greenish when young, becoming gray brown and furrowed with age. Ethnobotanical Application(s): Throughout history, black cottonwood has been valued as a commercially important tree. Hitchcock and Cronquist describe 38 species in Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. Black Cottonwood (nekw’nikw’az) This is our largest native broadleaf tree, growing to heights of 24 to 38 meters. balsamifera. Both Cottonwood Trees and Willow Trees produce their own rooting hormone, called auxin. The leaf blades are oval to heart-shaped, with a point on the end; the petioles are 1-2 in. long; look for the pair of glands where the petiole joins the blade. Trichocarpa means “hairy-fruited,” referring to the cottony fluff that helps disperse the minute seeds for long distances. The Fremont Cottonwood, also known as the Western Cottonwood or the Rio Grande Cottonwood, Populus fremontii, occurs in California east to Utah and Arizona and south into northwest Mexico. 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