Black Poplar
Balsam Poplars are slender trees with a straight trunk and a narrow crown (65-100 ft tall). Small catkins (3 in) on the male trees are the first to appear in the spring, followed by large, sticky, fragrant leaf buds that smell of balsam. The leaves are shiny and dark green with a pointed tip.
Balsam Poplars are a hardy tree growing in all parts of Canada, Alaska, and the central and northern United States. They're often found in floodplains as they grow best in moist, rich soil with plenty of sunlight.
Could it be? Cottonwoods and Aspens resemble Balsam Poplars as they are members of the same family. All of them release loose cottony seeds in late spring. Cottonwoods and Trembling Aspens have triangular or heart-shaped leaves, while Balsam Poplars' leaves are oval or spear-shaped.
Did you know? Bees sometimes use Balsam Poplars' resin to disinfect their hives.
