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Balsam Poplar

Populus balsamifera

Last reviewed: August 2026

Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera)
Photo: Lynden Gerdes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Balsam Poplar as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

360"–1200" H × 240"–600" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

CO, CT, DE, IA and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsSouthern RockiesNorthwestern Great PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Balsam poplar is a fast-growing native tree that can reach 30-100 feet tall with a broad, spreading canopy. It produces fragrant, resinous buds in spring and has heart-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in fall. This tree thrives in moist soils and full sun conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Balsam Poplar takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Wildlife value

The early spring flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators before many other plants bloom. The large size and dense foliage offer excellent nesting sites and shelter for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Balsam Poplar need?
Balsam Poplar grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Balsam Poplar bloom?
Balsam Poplar blooms in March and April.
Where is Balsam Poplar native?
Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) is native to CO, CT, DE, IA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Balsam Poplar toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Balsam Poplar as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Balsam Poplar attract?
Balsam Poplar draws bees.
Is Balsam Poplar HOA-friendly?
Balsam Poplar takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Balsam Poplar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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