Balsam Poplar vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Poplar vs American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Populus balsamifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Sycamore
Balsam Poplar

American Sycamore is the largest tree native to eastern North America. Generally too large and messy to be a street tree, American Sycamore thrives in large, open spaces, such as an acreage or farm.

The bark is one of the main features that draw people to this tree. The outer bark flakes off in irregular pieces to reveal an attractive white, green, and cream colored inner layer, providing winter interest.

American Sycamore has an extremely fast growth rate, gaining up to 6 ft in one year, and will easily reach its mature height in a short period of time. Be wary of this trees' root system, as it's typically very extensive and needs lots of room to expand.

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.

American Sycamore Quick Facts

Balsam Poplar Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: golden yellow
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Fuzz/fluff: see description
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: ON
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac