Western Balsam Poplar (Populus trichocarpa)

Family: Salicaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Populus trichocarpa is a deciduous Tree growing to 40 m (131ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Flowers, Sap/Syrup, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, but it sours or ferments rapidly and so, unlike most inner barks, it cannot be dried for winter use, though it can be sun-dried for more immediate use. — Inner bark - raw or dried.; It is usually ground into a powder and used as a flour, this is normally mixed with other flours for making bread etc.; It is best used in the spring.; The inner bark is mucilaginous and extremely sweet, but it sours or ferments rapidly and so, unlike most inner barks, it cannot be dried for winter use, though it can be sun-dried for more immediate use.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist woods, ravines, shores, prairies and park lands. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)