Balsam Poplar vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Poplar vs Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Populus balsamifera

Black Locust
Balsam Poplar

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

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.

Black Locust Quick Facts

Balsam Poplar Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $2.49 - SAVE UP TO 50%
Lowest Price: $3.19 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Fuzz/fluff: see description
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac