Populus balsamifera L. Balsam Poplar, Hackmatack or Tacamahac
Native to a large area across the north of N. America, occasionally planted for ornament in European collections and gardens. Height to 30m (100ft) in the wild, often half this in Britain. Flowers open in March, male bright red, about 7.5cm (3in) long, females greenish 10-12.5cm (4-5in) long. Fruit capsules have 2 valves and form a cluster 20-30cm (8-l2in) long. Leaves are round or slightly heart-shaped at the base, round-toothed and pointed, dark green above, paler beneath. Commonly forms many suckers, and winter buds are covered by a thick resin which has a balsam smell.