Balsam Poplar vs Kentucky Coffeetree - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Poplar vs Kentucky Coffeetree

Gymnocladus dioicus

Populus balsamifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Kentucky Coffeetree
Balsam Poplar

The Kentucky Coffeetree has the largest leaves of any native tree in North America! In the summer, its large green canopy provides shade. While in the winter, its leathery bean pods act as a decorative element against the sky as they rattle in the wind. Beautiful year-round, this tree is an elegant addition to any landscape.

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.

Kentucky Coffeetree Quick Facts

Balsam Poplar Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.19 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 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
Growth rate: medium
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)

Toxicity: Uncooked pods are toxic to humans

Other Names: coffeetree
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac