Balsam poplar

The balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) is a very common tree ranging across Europe and North America, this tree is quite often known simply as cottonwood. It is extremely rapid growing and reaches 60-80 ft., producing a resin-like scent while in bud and hence the name.

Although it is sometimes cultivated, the female trees produce immense quantities of cotton and are quite messy, and both genders drop huge quantities of flowers and bud scales. This was an important tree to First Nations people, who used the resin from the buds mixed with animal fat to treat sore throats and coughs, and a tea made from the bark was used to treat bronchitis and infections. Like the willows, poplars contain salicin, a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory. The buds were also mixed with blood to create an important and strong black dye. The wood was used for making bowls and paddles.

This species has been much used in poplar breeding programs. 

The largest tree in Saskatchewan is a hybrid cottonwood (P. deltoides x P. balsamifera) growing 10 km south of Blaine Lake, just off highway #12 and down Tree Road. It is nearly five meters around and is believed to predate white settlement. Known affectionately in the area simply as “the big tree”, it is the largest and last remaining in a stand that grew in near perfect growing conditions beside the river. The tree has lived well past its life expectancy and is suffering from disease. If you have any photos of this tree or updates about its heath, please share them with us!