Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera)

Form

May attain a height of 50' to 80' with a diameter of 24" or more; grows upright with narrow, straight top that later becomes somewhat broad.

Bark

Smooth, brown-gray color, deeply furrowed, gray-black color on old trunks.

Leaf

Simple, alternate on stem, 3" to 6" long; ovate, long-pointed, edges finely toothed, dark green and shiny above, pale and often rusty-tinged beneath; turns yellow in autumn. Buds are large, pointed, golden-yellow, covered generously with varnishlike resin or pitch, and give off a strong, pungent aroma.

Fruit (seed)

Small, cotton-like capsules grouped in 4" to 6" catkins, easily carried by the wind for long distances; appear in May or June.

Range

Found throughout the northern part of the state along streams and edges of swamps or in other cool localities; shade-intolerant, fast-growing.