Populus balsamifera
Balsam Poplar

 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flowers:
Red (Dark red.)
 Foliage:
Green (Light to medium green)
 Ultimate Height:
75-100 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
45-65 feet
 Light Requirements:
 Soil:
Prefers moist to wet soils; wet soil tolerant (often found in wetlands).
 Range:
North America
 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:
 Special Characteristics:
  • Fast Growth Rate 228
  • Indiana Native 154
  • Wet Soil Tolerant 105

    • 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.

    19 Populus balsamifera found

    Building Map...

    = Heritage plant = Memorial plant
    Number Accession ID Location
    12022_15760*AHORTPARK
    22022_15760*BHORTPARK
    32023_00279*AHORTPARK
    42023_00279*BHORTPARK
    52023_00279*CHORTPARK
    62023_00279*DHORTPARK
    72023_00279*EHORTPARK
    82023_00279*FHORTPARK
    92023_00279*GHORTPARK
    102023_00279*HHORTPARK
    112023_00279*IHORTPARK
    122023_00279*JHORTPARK
    132023_00279*KHORTPARK
    142023_00279*LHORTPARK
    152023_00279*MHORTPARK
    162023_00279*NHORTPARK
    172023_00279*OHORTPARK
    182023_00279*PHORTPARK
    192023_00279*QHORTPARK

    Communication

    University Resources

    Sustainability Resources

    Arboretum Resources

    Purdue University Logo Purdue University Logo

    The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Physical Facilities Grounds Department

    Purdue Arboretum, 625 Agriculture Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
    © 2024 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Integrity Statement | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by the Purdue Arboretum
    Contact Purdue Arboretum at arboretum@purdue.edu for accessibility issues with this page | Accessibility Resources | Contact Us