Populus balsamifera - Balsam Poplar

Balsam Poplar features glossy green leaves that release a distinctive, sweet balsam scent in spring, while its golden-yellow fall foliage adds seasonal beauty. It produces pollen-rich catkins that support early-season insects and native bees. With its rapid growth, fragrant buds, and ecological benefits, Balsam Poplar is a valuable addition to self-sustaining, low-maintenance landscapes where space allows. Adapted to both urban and rural environments, this resilient native provides habitat and shelter for wildlife while stabilizing soil in flood-prone areas.

We offer a cultivar called 'Paskapoo Poplar', a compact, dwarf form that matures at around 20 feet tall—ideal for urban plantings where space is limited. Unlike female trees, this cultivar does not produce sticky seed pods, making it a cleaner choice for residential and public landscapes. A fast-growing and cold-hardy species, Balsam Poplar plays vital role in erosion control, carbon sequestration, and wetland biodiversity, helping to filter water and improve soil health. While young shoots may be browsed, mature trees are generally avoided by deer due to their bitter buds and fast growth.