Quick answer: Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) is native to 8 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: SriMesh, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist |
| Soil | Moist soils |
| Bloom | Apr-May |
| Height | 20-60 ft typically, up to 130 ft |
| Wildlife value | Bees gather resin ("bee glue"), larval host for Viceroy butterfly, traditional medicinal uses |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Balsam poplar
Where is Balsam poplar native?
Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) is native to Alaska, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Balsam poplar bloom?
Balsam poplar blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Balsam poplar need?
Light: Sun. Water: Moist. Soil: Moist soils. Mature height: 20-60 ft typically, up to 130 ft.
Is Balsam poplar good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Bees gather resin ("bee glue"), larval host for Viceroy butterfly, traditional medicinal uses.
Where can I buy Balsam poplar?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Populus balsamifera by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Balsam poplar.
- Honey locust Gleditsia triacanthos
- Bebb willow Salix bebbiana
- Pussy willow Salix discolor
- Gray dogwood Cornus racemosa
- White fringetree Chionanthus virginicus
- Tamarack Larix laricina
Also listed under
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