balsam poplar

noun

: a North American poplar (Populus balsamifera) that is often cultivated as a shade tree and has buds thickly coated with an aromatic resin

called also balm of Gilead, tacamahac

Examples of balsam poplar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By September, aspen and balsam poplar trees at the entrance are a brilliant yellow, and scrub vegetation (also known as the taiga) turns rust colored, making for an impressive vista. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025 In Canada, its key species is the balsam poplar, or cottonwood. Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 15 May 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of balsam poplar was in 1775

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Cite this Entry

“Balsam poplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balsam%20poplar. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

balsam poplar

noun
: a North American poplar that is often cultivated as a shade tree and has buds coated with a resin
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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