Hybrid Balsam-poplar - Populus trichocarpa x balsamifera = P. 'Balsam Spire'

A tall tree (to 20 metres or more) with very upright branches held more or less parallel to the main trunk. Leaves very similar to some other Poplar species. This species is balsam scented, especially the buds which, when pressed tightly, exude a brownish tacky ‘sap’. This species does not sucker. 

There are several very similar hybrids and cultivars

Identification is difficult, and may not be possible from a photo; it is recommended that a specimen is retained. Leaves should be collected from the mature shoots, NOT suckers.  Unless identified by a recognised expert, photos showing the key ID features are needed, including one showing the full tree.

It is planted in landscaped parks and amenity areas, as a screen or windbreak, and also in plantations and does particularly well in damper sites.

Flowers around April. 

Deciduous perennial.

Widespread in Britain as a planted tree.

Only recorded for the first time in Leicestershire and Rutland in 2009, this species is likely to become more widespread in our area.