Cottonwood
Populus fremontii
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Pl. BAAC — Populus fremontii
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IOverview
Overview
Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) is a tree native to the western United States and northern Mexico, thriving in habitats ranging from Arizona to California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and various regions of Mexico. Known for its light requirement and ability to grow in dry to moist conditions, this deciduous tree can reach heights of 25 meters. Its edible parts include flowers and inner bark, making it a valuable resource for those familiar with its use. One distinctive feature is its adaptability to a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, with an optimal pH range of 6 to 8.
Quick answers
What is Cottonwood?
Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) is a tree native to the western United States and northern Mexico, thriving in habitats ranging from Arizona to California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and various regions of Mexico.
What is Cottonwood used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Cottonwood
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Cottonwood has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction from the inner bark. This preparation is believed to help maintain overall wellness during seasonal changes.
The mechanism by which Cottonwood supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds such as salicin and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Traditional-use note: Cottonwood appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
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.
Cottonwood support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cottonwood thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining to heavy soils with a pH between 6 and 8. It is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions but requires regular watering during establishment. This tree is hardy in zones 2-9 and can grow up to 25 meters tall. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. Edible parts include the flowers and inner bark, making it a useful addition for those interested in foraging.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
25.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Cottonwood for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young Cottonwood tree for a beginner-friendly project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Cottonwood sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light soil. Ensure the area gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to its permanent location, digging a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water thoroughly after planting. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially in dry periods. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches.
- 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 initial watering, not providing enough sunlight, and overpruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersInner bark
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:Weaving materialFire starterGumRooting hormoneLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 12 native
Broader regions
native:California, Idaho, Mexico Central, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Mexico Northeast
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
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- Citation
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