SafePlants

Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera)

The Balsam Poplar, scientifically known as Populus balsamifera, is a fragrant and fast-growing deciduous tree. It is also known by several common names, including bam, bamtree, eastern balsam-poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac poplar, tacamahaca, cottonwood, and heartleaf balsam poplar.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the buds of the Balsam Poplar are large, sticky, and fragrant.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the buds of the Balsam Poplar are large, sticky, and fragrant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Populus balsamifera
• Family: Salicaceae
• Synonym: Eastern balsam poplar
• Subspecies: Populus balsamifera ssp. balsamifera

Distribution and Habitat

• The Balsam Poplar is the northernmost North American hardwood.
• It grows transcontinentally on upland and flood plain sites.
• In Alberta, it is the most prominent deciduous species next to trembling aspen in the Boreal mixed forest.
• It is found throughout the northern part of Minnesota along streams and edges of swamps.
• Black poplar (P. nigra) is a native species with a relict distribution along river valleys, mostly in southern Britain.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The Balsam Poplar is a slender, large tree that can grow up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall and 8 meters (26 feet) wide. Some black cottonwoods can reach 50 meters.
• It is a fast-growing tree, hardy to zone (UK) 2.
• The crown is conical or ovate.
• The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate, finely serrated, shiny dark green, paler and often blotchy orange below, and tend to be longer and more long-pointed than Populus tremuloides or P. deltoides, with much smaller teeth than Populus.
• The bark is grey and wrinkled, becoming smooth and yellow-white near the top.
• The flowers are dioecious, and catkins appear before the leaves.
• The buds are large, sticky, and fragrant, covered with resin.

Traditional Uses

• The resin from the winter buds has a strong smell, especially in spring.
• The sticky resin of poplar buds contains salicin, which the body converts to aspirin.
• Native North Americans traditionally used the bark to treat deep wounds.
• The essential oil is extracted from the strongly aromatic buds.
• The buds of the balm of Gilead poplar (P. jackii), which is similar, are used to make an ointment.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Balsam Poplar is often a pioneer species for spruces.

Quirky Facts

• The Balsam Poplar was used to ornament public spaces in early Roman times.
• The common name "balsamifera" comes from the Latin, meaning "balsam-bearing," referring to its sticky, resinous, and strongly aromatic buds.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• MN DNR (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)