Origin
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. is also known as Black cottonwood or Balsam poplar and is a tree species native to the northern regions of North America, from Alaska to Newfoundland and down to Oregon.
Common Names
Black cottonwood and Balsam poplar are common names for Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. The indigenous people of North America have various names for the tree such as Shake-A-Leaf, Black Poplar, and Ahspen. These names are based on the tree's qualities and usefulness.
Uses
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. has various uses. Indigenous people use it for medicinal purposes. For example, they use the bark for pain relief and wound healing. The roots and leaves are also used for medicinal purposes. The tree is used to make paper pulp, boxes and crates, and matches. The wood is also used to manufacture furniture, interior finishes, and flooring. Additionally, it is planted for ornamental purposes as well as for erosion control in riparian zones.
General Appearance
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. can reach up to 30–50 meters in height and grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The trunk is straight, and the branches are widely spread. The bark is rough with deep furrows that can be up to 5 centimeters wide. The leaves are large, toothed, and triangular in shape, with a pointed tip. The leaves are 6-15 cm long, and the color can range from light green to dark green. The tree's flowers are green to reddish, and the fruit is a capsule that splits open when mature, releasing numerous seeds with cottony fluff.
Light requirements
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. grows best in full sunlight, although it can tolerate partial shade. It needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow properly. If grown in a shady area, significant height and stem elongation will occur in search of light.
Temperature requirements
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. is a hardy plant and can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in temperate climates, where the temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C. It is also tolerant of cold weather and can survive in temperatures as low as -50°C.
Soil requirements
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. prefers moist, well-drained sandy loam or clay soil. It grows well in soil that is nutrient-rich, with a pH level between 5.0 and 7.5. The soil must be free of rocks, roots, and other debris that could obstruct root growth and development.
Cultivation methods for Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh.
The Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. plant requires full sun exposure and well-draining soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings taken from healthy trees.
The ideal planting time for Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. is in early spring or late fall. To plant, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and loosen the soil in the area. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
Watering needs of Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh.
The Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. plant requires regular watering to establish itself. Young plants need watering every 2-3 days, while mature trees need watering once a week in the absence of rain.
The plant is tolerant of wet soil and can withstand short periods of flooding. However, it is sensitive to drought, and extended dry periods can cause damage or death. To avoid drought stress, water the plant deeply, ensuring the water reaches the root zone.
Fertilization of Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh.
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. requires regular fertilization to support its growth and development. The plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied in the spring.
You can also use organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, to provide nutrients to the plant. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the tree, avoiding direct contact with the bark. Fertilize more frequently for young trees and less frequently for mature trees.
Pruning of Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh.
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, cutting back to the branch collar. If necessary, thin out any crossing or rubbing branches to minimize damage. Avoid pruning too heavily, as this can stimulate excessive regrowth or weaken the tree.
Propagation of Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh.
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
For sexual propagation, seeds harvested from the plant can be sowed in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and moist environment for germination. The seeds require a cold stratification period of at least 3 months before they are sown in order to break dormancy and promote germination. The seeds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent diseases.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation is typically done through hardwood cuttings collected in the winter dormancy period. Cuttings should be 6 to 8 inches long, with at least 3 nodes, and taken from 1-year-old wood. They should be treated with rooting hormone and then inserted into a well-draining rooting medium. The medium should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a high humidity environment until they develop roots.
In addition to hardwood cuttings, Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in the late spring or early summer. These cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long, with at least 2 nodes, and taken from the current year's growth. The softwood cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and then inserted into a well-draining rooting medium. The medium should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a high humidity environment until they develop roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh.
Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh., commonly known as the eastern balsam poplar, is a popular ornamental plant that is native to North America. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and survival. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways you can manage them:
Diseases
Cytospora canker: This fungal disease can cause the branches to die back and the bark to crack. To manage this disease, prune out dead branches and apply a fungicide to the affected area.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing of the leaves and small orange or brown spots on the undersides. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf blight and defoliation. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Pests
Leaf miners: Leaf miners are small insects that can cause damage to the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, apply an insecticide or use beneficial insects like predators and parasites.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant and can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage this pest, apply an insecticide or use beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, flat insects that suck sap from the plant and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage this pest, apply an insecticide or use beneficial insects like predators and parasites.
By implementing these disease and pest management techniques, you can help keep your Populus balsamifera L. var. lanceolata Marsh. healthy and thriving.
