The Poplar

-Botanical

Latin name: Populus
Poplar is a common tree in Europe. They are 35 different kinds of Poplars, coming from the North Hemisphere.
This tree can grow until 30 or 40 meters high, and some of them can live until 400 years old.
These trees appreciate humid grounds. We can easily recognize it in autumn, thanks to the beautiful shimmering color of its leaves.

-Customs, Legends and Mythology

Gaelic name: Eadha

Color: Silver white

Letter in the Ogham: E

Meaning: Problems, doubts, fears

All the poplars have 3 attributes: the ability to shield and resist, an association with language, and an affinity with the wind. There most powerful time is autumn, because of the color of their leaves.
In Celtic Astrology, Poplar was a tree representing uncertainty.
And in Greek Mythology, the nymph Leuké, Ocean's daughter, was coveted by Hades. To escape to him, she transformed her into a Poplar. Since this time, Poplar was considered as a resurrection tree. When this nymph died, Hades planted Poplar in his kingdom.
This connection with death and resurrection is still alive today, because it's always a tradition to plant Poplars in cemeteries.

-Healing

With the young Poplars, bark contains a substance efficient against fever. Buds are diuretic, used to cure rheumatism and arthritis.
As an antiseptic, it can calm the cough, and smooth bronchial tubes.

-Physical uses

Poplars can grow very fast, that's why it's a tree used for industrial exploitation. Its wood is clear, light, fibrous and not durable, so it's used for the conception of matchsticks and crates.
It's also used to make bedding and light roof structures.
In the past, Amerindians used to eat the bark in spring and summer, because of its sweet taste. Dry, this bark was added to the bread.