Balm-Of-Gilead

Populus × ontariensis

Native to:
United States
Balm-Of-Gilead

Internet Archive Book Images (www.flickr.com)

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Populus
Species:
Populus × ontariensis
USDA Symbol:
POJA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
2500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals, beavers
Fragrant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from roots and stumps after fire or cutting, typical of Populus species.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in riparian zones

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds are short-lived and must be sown fresh on moist soil with light exposure. Viability is lost within weeks if seeds dry out.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI