Balsam Poplar (Populus Balsamifera)

The Balsam Poplar (Populus Balsamifera) is generally described as a perennial tree. This dicot (dicotyledon) is native to the U.S. (United States) has its most active growth period in the spring and summer . The greatest bloom is usually observed in the late spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the spring and continuing until summer. Leaves are not retained year to year. The Balsam Poplar has a moderate life span relative to most other plant species and a rapid growth rate. At maturity, the typical Balsam Poplar will reach up to 80 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 35 feet.

The Balsam Poplar is easily found in nurseries, garden stores and other plant dealers and distributors. It can be propagated by bare root, container, cuttings, seed. It has a moderate ability to spread through seed production and the seedlings have medium vigor. Note that cold stratification is not required for seed germination and the plant cannot survive exposure to temperatures below -43°F. Balsam Poplar has low tolerance to drought and restricted water conditions.