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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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