Balm-of-Gilead Poplar

Latin (group) name: Populus

Latin (specific) name: Populus Tacamahacca Var. Candicans (Aiton) Stout

Average max height: 75' to 100'

Average diameter: 24" to 40"

Official state tree: No

Category: American Woods The Hardwoods - Broadleafs

Wood Research

The Tree

This tree generally varies from 75 to 100 feet in height with a diameter of from 24 to 40 inches. It is distinguishable from the Aspen by its very dark, pale green, leathery but lustrous leaves, the under surface of which is a bright rusty brown. As the leaves turn and tremble in the breeze the tree has a bronze tinge which is not easily mistaken for the bright, silver-lined leaves of the Aspen. The bark of the matured tree is slightly reddish-gray and has wide ridges and deep furrows. The bark of the young tree is smooth and a brownish-gray or greenish color. The young leaves and buds are covered with a yellowish, pungently fragrant balsam which is much sought by bees. The medicinal Balm of Gilead or Populi Gemma, is derived from the buds and is used a a constituent of cough medicine.

Balm-of-Gilead Tree Foliage

Balm-of-Gilead Tree Bark

Common Names in Use

• Balm-Of-Gilead Poplar (lit.)
• Balm-Of-Gilead (Me., N.H., Vt., Mass., N. Dak., Minn., Wis., Mich., Ontario)
• Balsam (Mich., Md., cult.)
• Balsam Poplar (N.H., Nebr., Minn.)
• Cottonwood
• Hairy Balm-Of-Gilead
• Ontario Poplar (lit.)
• Poplar (Minn., Wis., Mich.)
• Tacamahac (Minn.)

Growth Range

The natural growth range of Balm-of-Gilead extends across the extreme northern section of the United States from Maine to western Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado, and a small
section of central Iowa, the Lake States eastward to northern Pennsylvania.

The Wood

Balm-of-Gilead wood is light in weight, has a fine close grain, and is soft and not very strong. The sapwood is almost white while the heartwood is a light pale brown differing little in color and texture from other poplars. It warps badly in drying, but
is easily worked.

Uses

This wood is used in increasing quantity for paper pulp, boxes, fruit baskets, excelsior, toys, packing cases and rough lumber. This wood is not desirable for food containers because unlike the Aspen it is not free from taste or odor.

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