Populus balsamifera aka Cottonwood

Populus balsamifera, also known as balsam poplar, bam, bamtree, eastern balsam-poplar, or hackmatack, belongs to the balsam poplar species group in the poplar genus, Populus. The name Populus comes from the Latin for poplar, while the specific epithet balsamifera means "balsam-bearing." This tree species is the northernmost North American hardwood, with a transcontinental distribution on boreal and montane upland and flood plain sites, particularly thriving on flood plains. Although generally short-lived, some trees have been found to be as old as 200 years. Populus balsamifera is a hardy and fast-growing tree with light, soft wood that is commonly used for pulp and construction. Its resinous sap, or balsam, is extracted from its buds and is sometimes used as a disinfectant for beehives. The tree is also known for its strong, sweet fragrance, reminiscent of balsam fir. Bigtooth Aspen is another tree species that is easily distinguishable from Populus balsamifera by the large, curved teeth of its leaf edges, which are mentioned in both common and scientific names. This columnar tree can grow up to 50-75 ft. tall and has toothed leaves that are cottony-white on the lower surface, especially when young. Its bark is whitish and becomes furrowed at the base while turning darker gray with age. Silvery catkins appear before the leaves, and its deciduous foliage becomes golden-yellow in the fall. As a houseplant, Balsam Poplar is super rare and requires regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. This plant prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Both the foliage, twig buds, and bark of Populus balsamifera and Bigtooth Aspen are consumed by wildlife.