Narrowleaf Cottonwood
Populus angustifolia
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 255B — Populus angustifolia
Populus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifoliaPopulus angustifolia
IOverview
Overview
Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) is a deciduous tree native to the northeastern and northwestern United States as well as parts of Canada. It thrives in moist environments with light, medium, or heavy soil, showing particular preference for full sun. This tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and is known for its edible inner bark, which has been utilized by indigenous communities. Found across a wide range including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, and parts of Canada such as Labrador, Manitoba, and Quebec, the narrowleaf cottonwood plays an important role in local ecosystems and traditional uses. Its distinctive feature is its narrow leaves, which give it its common name.
Quick answers
What is Narrowleaf Cottonwood?
Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) is a deciduous tree native to the northeastern and northwestern United States as well as parts of Canada. It thrives in moist environments with light, medium, or heavy soil, showing particular preference for full sun.
What is Narrowleaf Cottonwood used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Narrowleaf Cottonwood
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Populus angustifolia, like other Populus species, has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health. A decoction of the inner bark may help bolster the body's natural defenses.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves bioactive compounds such as salicin and flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Populus angustifolia has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to aid digestion. A tea made from the inner bark may help soothe digestive discomfort.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves bioactive compounds such as salicin and flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory properties that can support gastrointestinal health.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Narrowleaf Cottonwood support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Narrowleaf Cottonwood thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and grows to a height of 30 meters. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. The inner bark is edible. Soil pH should range between 6 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Narrowleaf Cottonwood for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Narrowleaf Cottonwood in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young saplings, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to medium soil that drains well. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
For seeds, sow them in early spring at a depth of 1/4 inch. For saplings, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry periods, especially in summer. Prune dead or diseased branches as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them and remove any weak or crossing branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner bark
Edible uses: Gum, Sweetener
Other uses:Weaving materialGumRooting hormoneErosion controlLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 30 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Labrador, Magadan, Maine, Manitoba, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Vermont, West Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 255b4093-c7a8-484d-886b-77e4ece919fb
Decision aid
Choosing between Narrowleaf Cottonwood and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.