White Poplar (Populus tremula)

White Poplar (Populus tremula) is a member of the Salicaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditionally, its bark, leaves, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

White Poplar (Populus tremula) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — White Poplar (Populus tremula) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	White Poplar
Scientific Name	Populus tremula
Plant Family	Salicaceae
Genus	Populus
Species	tremula
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Leaves, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Populus tremula
Common Name: White Poplar
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Trembling Poplar, Silver Poplar, Trembling Willow
Plant Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Populus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It reaches a height of 10 to 30 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface whitish, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Petals absent, bracts present in a single whorl at the base of the inflorescence, flowers arranged in a catkin, actinomorphic, with stamens in multiples of three, carpels united into a single chamber.
Stems: Elongated, slender, somewhat flexible, often with a slightly ribbed surface, exhibiting opposite branching, and commonly displaying a smooth, glabrous texture.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a soothing diuretic, in urinary system discussions.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a gentle bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a calming tonic, for broad-use formulations.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers seasonally moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.