# balsam poplar (*Populus balsamifera*) The balsam poplar is a tall tree with smooth, greenish bark and big, heart-shaped leaves. It grows near rivers and likes wet places. The tree smells sweet, especially in spring! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![balsam poplar](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Populus_balsamifera.jpg&width=800) Photo: Lynden Gerdes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast Nationa, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Populus_balsamifera.jpg) ## Appearance The balsam poplar is a tall tree with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown. Its dark green, oval-shaped leaves have fine teeth and turn yellow in fall. The reddish-brown, sticky buds are distinctive, exuding a sweet, resinous scent. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Malpighiales - **Family:** Salicaceae - **Genus:** Populus ## Interesting facts - Balsam poplars can grow up to six feet in a single year when young! - Indigenous peoples dried and ate the sweet, inner bark for energy. - Its sticky buds were once used to make a soothing balm for skin! - The wood is light but strong, often used for making crates and pulp. ## Special abilities - **Sticky Shield:** Balsam poplar has resinous buds that protect new growth from pests and cold, and give off a unique scent. - **Rapid Renewal:** It can quickly regrow from root sprouts after fire or logging, helping it recover in its habitat. - **Cold Conqueror:** This tree can survive extremely cold winters, thriving in northern climates where other trees struggle. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 2000-4000 cm - **Spread:** 600-1200 cm - **Flower Size:** 5-15 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Wind ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Moose](https://www.snappit.app/explore/moose) (*Alces alces*) — browses on twigs and leaves - **Parasitizes:** Poplar Borer (*Saperda calcarata*) — larvae tunnel into wood - **Eaten by:** North American Beaver (*Castor canadensis*) — fells trees for food and dam building - **Shelter:** Yellow Warbler (*Setophaga petechia*) — nests in its branches ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Stay away from the tree's branches and roots to avoid tripping. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify balsam poplar? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is balsam poplar? 2000-4000 cm ### How wide does balsam poplar spread? 600-1200 cm ### How big are the flowers on balsam poplar? 5-15 cm ### When does balsam poplar bloom? Spring ### Is balsam poplar edible? Yes ### Is balsam poplar toxic? None ### What is balsam poplar's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Chicken Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chicken-historic-district) — Alaska, US · Historic District - [Illinois Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/illinois-street-historic-district) — Alaska, US · Historic District - [Lyme Common Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lyme-common-historic-district) — New Hampshire, US · Historic District - [Fuller County Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fuller-county-park) — Michigan, US · Park [View all places to see balsam poplar](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/balsam-poplar) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Balsam Poplar: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/balsam-poplar)