Balm of Gilead or Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera)

Form

May attain height of 60 to 80 feet and diameter of 1 1/2 to 3 feet or more; grows upright with narrow open, pyramidal crown of horizontal branches.

Bark

Thin, smooth, greenish-brown in color on young trees; thicker, furrowed and gray-black in color on old trees.

Leaf

Alternate, ovate, long pointed, edges finely toothed, dark green and shiny above; pale and often stained by resin blotches beneath. Buds are large, pointed and covered with a resinous pitch; give off strong, pungent aroma.

Flower

Male and female flowers are on separate trees.

Fruit

Capsule, borne in catkins 4 to 6 inches long; capsule contains many seeds covered with white hair; wind disseminated for long distances. Mature in May or early June. Regeneration usually by root suckering following cutting.

Range

Naturally distributed throughout northern part of state, along streams and edges of swamps or in other cool localities.

Wood

Soft, not very strong, close grained, heartwood light brown, sapwood white; used for pulp, boxes, packing cases and rough lumber.