Common Name(s): Balsam Poplar

Scientific Name: Populus balsamifera

Distribution: Canada and northern United States

Tree Size: 80-100 ft (25-30 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1.0-1.5 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 23 lbs/ft³ (370 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .31, .37

Janka Hardness: 300 lb_f (1,330 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 6,800 lb_f/in² (46.9 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 1,100,000 lb_f/in² (7.59 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 4,020 lb_f/in² (27.7 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 3.0%, Tangential: 7.1%, Volumetric: 10.5%, T/R Ratio: 2.4

Color/Appearance: No data available.

Grain/Texture: No data available.

Endgrain: No data available.

Rot Resistance: No data available.

Workability: No data available.

Odor: No characteristic odor.

Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Balsam Poplar. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicityand Wood Dust Safetyfor more information.

Pricing/Availability: No data available.

Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses: No data available.

Comments: Gum from this tree is used as the source of “balm of gilead” compound used in skin care products.

Balsam Poplar (sanded)

Balsam Poplar (sealed)

Balsam Poplar (endgrain)

Balsam Poplar (endgrain 10x)