Balsam Poplar vs Butternut (White Walnut) - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Poplar vs Butternut (White Walnut)

Populus balsamifera

Juglans cinerea

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Balsam Poplar
Butternut (White Walnut)

Balsam Poplar is a hardy, fast-growing deciduous tree that is Native to Canada east of the Rockies.

We grow them in two variations. Sometimes they are a male clones, so they don't produce fluff. Other times, we grow them from seed, which will result in fluff. The detailed descriptions (see below) will tell you which is which.

Butternut is one of the few walnut varieties native to Canada. The nuts are sought after for their mild, sweet, and oily taste. Ensure this tree is planted in full sun and well-drained soil for best results.

Butternut is self-fertile but it has better yields when planted near other butternuts. It can survive in zone 2, but reliably produces nuts in zone 3.

A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.

Balsam Poplar Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: golden yellow
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Fuzz/fluff: see description
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut