Balsam Poplar vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Poplar vs American Sycamore

Populus balsamifera

Platanus occidentalis

Balsam Poplar
American Sycamore

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 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 Quick Facts

American Sycamore Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Fuzz/fluff: see description
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: golden yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

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