Balsam Poplar vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Poplar vs Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

Populus balsamifera

Tulip Tree
Balsam Poplar

Tulip Tree is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Tree is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

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.

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Balsam Poplar Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Lowest Price: $2.29 - SAVE UP TO 62%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: golden yellow
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
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: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac