Balsam Poplar vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Poplar vs Black Locust

Populus balsamifera

Robinia pseudoacacia

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Balsam Poplar
Black Locust

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 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 Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
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)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust