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Populus balsamifera is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m by 8 m at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone 2. The species is dioecious . and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it does well in a heavy cold damp soil, though it prefers a deep rich well-drained circumneutral soil, growing best in the south and east of Britain. Growth is much less on wet soils, on poor acid soils and on thin dry soils. Does not do well in exposed upland sites. Dislikes shade, it is intolerant of root or branch competition. A fast-growing and generally short-lived tree, though specimens 150 - 200 years old have occasionally been recorded. It is not fully satisfactory in Britain. In spring and early summer the buds and young leaves have a strong fragrance of balsam. Poplars have very extensive and aggressive root systems that can invade and damage drainage systems. Especially when grown on clay soils, they should not be planted within 12 metres of buildings since the root system can damage the building's foundations by drying out the soil. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

HabitatsDeep moist sandy soils of river bottomlands
HabitatsStream banks
Habitatsborders of lakes and swamps.
HabitatsWoodland Garden Canopy
HabitatsWoodland Garden Canopy
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