Populus balsamiferaIndiana Native
Balsam Poplar

Family:

Salicaceae (Willow Family) 16

Genus:

Populus (Poplar Aspen Cottonwood) 7

Plant Type:

Tree 583

Growth Forms:

Upright 579

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 3 236

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 850

Flower Notes:

Red (Dark red.)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Light to medium green)

Stem Notes:

Red-gray to Brown (smooth and becomes grayer with age, produces flat scaly ridges)

Fruit Notes:

Hairless capsule, arranged in catkins, small brown seeds

Ultimate Height:

75-100 feet

Ultimate Spread:

45-65 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium 217

Soil Notes:

Prefers moist to wet soils; wet soil tolerant (often found in wetlands).

Range:

North America

Maintenance:

Low 290

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are long, narrow, simple with toothed edges and occurring one per node. Mature fruit splits upon maturity. Buds contain three or more scales which overlap like shingles.

Ecological Functions:

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Aspen, Cottonwood, Poplar

Special Characteristics:

Fast Growth Rate 229

Indiana Native 168

Wet Soil Tolerant 110

Additional Information

Buds exude a resin (the source of "balm of Gilead") that is traditionally used as an ointment to relieve chest congestion. The resin is also flammable, so twigs are used for starting fires. The streaked brown and grey wood is used in carving and woodworking. Trees are found along forest edges, forests, meadows and fields, and shores of rivers or lakes.

Additional Information

Other plants like this Populus balsamifera (Balsam Poplar)