(Black Cottonwood (Balsam))

Names

Shoshone:

English: Black Cottonwood (Balsam)

Scientific: Populus balsamifera

Zone

Lower Foothills

Harvest Time

  • Not Listed

Primary Uses

  • Food
    • Tea
  • Medicine
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Anti-fever
    • Headache
    • Pneumonia 
    • Teeth
    • Wounds

Secondary Uses

  • Other
    • Music

Cautions

  • None Currently Listed

Active Principle(s)

  • Salicylic Acid

Video Description of Plant

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Notes

Food Notes

Bark can be made into a tea for generalized pain, or buds can be mixed into buffalo fat to be rubbed into skin cracks and wounds. 

Medicinal Use Notes

Bark and buds: contain salicylic acid which is a pain reliever that can be used for headaches, fevers, tooth pain, etc. 

Tree trunks can also be hollowed out for use in a drum base.

Posted in Traditional Plant.