Taxonomy
| Clade | angiosperm |
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| Family | Salicaceae |
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| Genus | Populus |
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| Species | balsamifera |
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| Common Name | balsam poplar |
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| iTree Code | POBA2 |
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Plant Form
| Form | Tree: conical crown |
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| Height | 80 feet |
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| Spread | 30 feet |
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| Deciduous | Yes |
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Identification Description
| Foliage | leaves are ovate and finely serrate. Dark green above and white beneath. 3-6" long |
Leaf Type
 |
Simple |
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| Bark | dark and furrowed when older, the younger bark exhibits lenticels and is a gray-green. |
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| Bud | large, sharply pointed with overlapping scales (imbricate); releasing a red, fragrant resin when crushed |
Bud Arrangement
|
Alternate |
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| Twig | red/gray to brown/orange |
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| Flower | catkins, quit long and greenish yellow; both male and female on separate trees (dioecious) |
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| Fruit | capsule is 2 valved |
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| Fall Color | yellow |
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Site Characteristics
| USDA Zones
|
pH Levels | Salt Tolerance |
| Min | 2a |
Min | 5.0 |
Soil | Moderate |
| Max | 5b |
Max | 8.0 |
Spray | High |
| Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Allelopathy |
| Intermediate |
Moderate |
Yes |
Species Status
| Nebraska Native |
|
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| U.S. Native |
|
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| Region of Origin | United States, Canada |
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| More Information | Visit External Site |
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