Balsam poplar

Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) is a species of poplar tree native to North America. It is a member of the Salicaceae family and is also known as the black cottonwood or western balsam poplar.

Description

The balsam poplar is a large, deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It has a straight trunk with a narrow, open crown and dark gray, furrowed bark. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate with a pointed tip and a rounded base. They are dark green on top and lighter underneath, turning yellow in the fall. The tree produces catkins in early spring before the leaves emerge.

Distribution and Habitat

Balsam poplar is found across North America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the northern United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, floodplains, and wetlands. It is a pioneer species, often one of the first trees to colonize disturbed areas.

Uses

The balsam poplar has been used for a variety of purposes by indigenous peoples. The wood is soft and light, making it useful for carving and construction. The tree's resin, or balsam, has been used as a medicinal remedy for a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and wounds.

Conservation Status

The balsam poplar is not currently considered to be at risk. However, like all species, it is affected by habitat loss and climate change.

See Also

• Populus
• Salicaceae
• Deciduous trees
• Pioneer species

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