Balsam Poplar

(Populus balsamifera)

The Balsam Poplar is an important reclamation plant.
The native strands of poplars are in decline because there are no floods to rejuvenate the river bottom soils and the grasses have invaded the flood plains, which restricts poplar growth.

Balsam produces green glossy leaves that have a distinct ‘balsam’ odor. Female plants have their seed in cottony fluff, rendering it not a very popular choice when buying Poplars…

Young wood is red to orange, with large buds covered in resin while older wood is a grey colour with fissured bark features.

*See Paskapoo Poplar for a good urban or smaller site landscape plant.

Landscape Use

Balsam poplars are best in rural landscapes where there is lots of room to grow. Poplars do not compete well with grasses, always plant into mulched beds.

Dimensions

Tall poplar to 20m in height found along the river banks of the Bow River.