Home / Guides / Plant Files / Salicaceae

Balsam Poplar, Black Cottonwood

Populusbalsamifera

Upload Image Print Article
Populus balsamifera by kennedyh
Upload Image Print Article
Family
Salicaceae (sal-i-KAY-see-ee)
Info
Genus
Populus (POP-yoo-lus)
Info
Species
balsamifera (bal-sam-EE-fer-uh)
Info
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Deciduous
Provides Winter Interest
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)
Danger

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Color
Chartreuse (yellow-green)
Bloom Time

Unknown - Tell us

Other Details
Category
Trees
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color

Unknown - Tell us

Where to Grow

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Size

Unknown - Tell us

Other details

Unknown - Tell us

Soil pH requirements

Unknown - Tell us

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
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Denison, Iowa

Belfield, North Dakota

View this plant in a garden
One member has or wants this plant for trade

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

Post Comment
0
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Post Comment
Sort By:
S
S
spklatt
Ottawa, ON (Zone 5a) | December 2004 | neutral

Balsam poplar has wide-spreading roots; don't plant near septic systems, wells or city water/sewage lines.

Popular Plants
SEE ALL
Iris
Peppers
Hydrangeas
Hostas
Contribute to Dave’s Garden
Add a New Plant to the List
Featured
BUG FILES
Silvery Checkerspot
(Chlosyne nycteis)
BIRD FILES
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Quick Links
View All Families
View All Genera
View All Species
Freeze/Frost Dates
PlantFiles FAQ
Plants with no Photos
Contribute to Dave’s Garden
Add a New Plant to the List
Featured
BUG FILES
Silvery Checkerspot
(Chlosyne nycteis)
BIRD FILES
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)