Balsam Poplar

(Populus balsamifera)

Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Populus balsamifera, commonly known as Balsam Poplar, is a deciduous tree native to northern forests, riparian zones, and wetlands across Alaska, Canada, and the many regions of the USA. It is the northernmost North American hardwood, thriving in a variety of habitats including boreal forests and montane regions, often along rivers and streams. This species can reach heights of 70-90 feet with a canopy width of approximately 25 feet. Balsam Poplar is characterized by its straight trunk, dark gray bark, and a narrow, open crown of long, pointed leaves that turn yellow in the fall.

The tree’s most notable feature is its fragrant, sticky, resinous buds that release a pleasant balsam scent, similar to that of the balsam fir. Balsam Poplar is valued for its rapid growth and ability to establish in disturbed sites, making it useful for reforestation projects and erosion control. It is also planted as a windbreak or for ornamental purposes in larger landscapes. The tree prefers full sun to part shade and is adaptable to a wide range of soil moisture conditions, though it grows best in moist to wet soils with good drainage. While it is generally short-lived, some specimens have been found to be over 200 years old. Wildlife, including various mammals and caterpillars of Lepidoptera, benefit from the tree as a food source. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness outside its native range and its susceptibility to diseases such as leaf rust and canker, as well as pests like the poplar borer.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 70-90 feet
  • Width: 25-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

native to northern forests, riparian zones, and wetlands across Alaska, Canada, and the many regions of the USA

Other Names

Common Names: Balm Of Gilead , Black Poplar , Cottonwood , Eastern Balsam Poplar , Hackmatack , Tacamahac , Bamtree , Tacamahac Poplar , Tacamahaca , Balsampappel

Scientific Names: Populus balsamifera , Populus balsamifera var. subcordata , Populus balsamifera var. californica , Populus woobstii , Populus acladesca , Populus balsamifera f. angustata , Populus balsamifera f. candicans , Populus balsamifera var. lanceolata , Populus balsamifera var. woobstii , Populus suaveolens var. woobstii

GBIF Accepted Name: Populus balsamifera L.