


Balsam Poplar vs Eastern Cottonwood

Populus balsamifera

Populus deltoides



Balsam Poplar
Eastern Cottonwood



This fast and tall growing tree has an open, spreading crown and is more suited to waterside planting than other aspens and poplars.

Commonly found in floodplains, stream valleys and lake shores, this tree quickly fills in reclamation areas.

In order to reproduce and grow effectively, Eastern Cottonwood relies on the natural flooding cycle to ensure they are not out-competed by weeds and other plants.



Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: wet
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Fuzz/fluff: see description
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: golden yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Maintenance: low
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low
Pollution tolerance: medium
Pollution tolerance: high


Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Ships To Canada: yes
Ships to USA: yes
Ships To Canada: yes
Ships to USA: yes