Origin: Rich soil, often calcareous, stream banks, river terraces, bottom lands; also on dry and poor sites.

Used: Upon soaking in warm water, the inner bark of this tree produces a mucilage that can be used as a protective, demulcent, emmolient , laxative, and vulnerary . The pollen 'is allergenic. In Appalachia, a tea made from the bark is used as a laxative.

A guide to medicinal plants of  Appalachia/ Krochmal, Arnold; Walter, Russel S.; Doughty, Richard M.: USA: U.S.D.A Forest Service:,1959