Northwest Poplar vs Balsam Poplar - TreeTime.ca

Northwest Poplar vs Balsam Poplar

Populus x jackii Northwest

Populus balsamifera

Northwest Poplar
Balsam Poplar

Northwest Poplar is a large and fast-growing tree. Due to its wide spread, this tree makes a great shade or shelterbelt tree. Northwest Poplar tolerates partial shade, drought, and most types of soil. This poplar produces no fuzz.

Northwest Poplar continues to be popular as a shelterbelt species due to the great cost savings that come from the wide spread of the branches. It is a staff favorite because of the wonderful shade it provides all summer long.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

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.

Northwest Poplar Quick Facts

Balsam Poplar Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


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

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 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: balm of gilead, jacks aspen, jacks hybrid poplar
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac