Balsam Poplar, Black Cottonwood
Populusbalsamifera

Family: Salicaceae (sal-i-KAY-see-ee)
Genus: Populus (POP-yoo-lus)
Species: balsamifera (bal-sam-EE-fer-uh)

Category
Trees

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Deciduous
Provides Winter Interest

Foliage Color

Height
over 40 ft. (12 m)

Spacing
30-40 ft. (9-12 m)
over 40 ft. (12 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 2a: to -45.5 °C (-50 °F)
USDA Zone 2b: to -42.7 °C (-45 °F)
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger

Bloom Color
Chartreuse (yellow-green)

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time

Other details

Soil pH requirements

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible