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| Question: Tree Query:
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I was hoping you could help me with a question. My parents lived in Campbellton, NB. and had a tree growing in the yard. My mom remembers it as "bamagalia". She thinks it may have been in the poplar family and the leaves have a very strong distinct odour. Does this at all ring a bell? The name may not be accurate, but that's what she remembers they used to call it. I am trying to find out what kind of tree it is and if I can grow them on my property. If you are not at all familiar with this tree could you point me to another source where i may find out more. Thank you very much for your time, Kathy B. |
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| Answer 3: Posted by: Connie McAdam Falls Brook Center N.B. |
The following is an answer to Kathy's request for
information on the Balsam Poplar also known as Balm of Gilead. This is a very fast
growing tree and grows to a height of 50 to 80 feet with a diameter of l to 3 feet. It has
narrow heart shaped leaves which are slightly hairy on veins beneath. Mature bark is dark
and grooved, gray-green and smooth on younger trees. The Balsam Poplar can be used to
restore disturbed and poor sites and grows best in wet If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact me. |
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Answer 2: Posted by: Jim Goltz, New Brunswick Protected Areas Coalition |
Hi Kathy: I'm happy to address your question and to be able to provide you with an answer. The tree that you mention is called Balsam Poplar or Balm-of-Gilead. It is a widespread species in New Brunswick and tends to thrive in wetlands, especially along rivers and streams where it may form the dominant species growing in the floodplains. It has a very rich fragrance that is most pronounced after a warm rain. The buds of the plant are used by some herbalists to make a skin ointment that they call Balm-of-Gilead. Information about this tree is readily available in any standard book on Canadian trees. My favourite book on trees is the Native Trees of Canada by Hosie. I'm sure that you'd find this book in any good library. If you can't access one, please let me know and I could photocopy some information for you and send it by mail or fax. I'm not sure where to obtain a tree, but you could try local garden suppliers. In the wild these trees like damp sites or sites that are prone to flooding. They'd probably prefer some similar spot on your property. I'm always reluctant to suggest that people dig trees or any other plants up from the wild as I promote conservation. I hope that this information is useful to you. Please contact me should you require any other similar information. Best wishes. |
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Answer 1: Posted by Elements |
-Elements would like to recommend
that you contact the following two people: ~ Connie McAdam from the Falls Brook Center at 506-375-8143 or email her at: mcadam@nbnet.nb.ca ~ Jim Goltz from the New Brunswick Protected Areas Coalition at jgoltz@gov.nb.ca |
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