THE BALM OF GILEAD 



THE broad-leaved Balm of Gilead has been very extensively planted as a shade 

 tree throughout the Eastern States. Its origin, as well as its precise botanical 

 standing, seems to be a matter of great uncertainty. It is generally considered a 

 variety of the widely distributed Balsam Poplar, or Tacamahac, but some authorities give 

 it rank as a distinct species. It is easily knowm by its large, shiny leaves, which are more 

 nearly heart-shaped than those of almost any other tree, and which have a distinct balsamic 

 odor. The petioles are rather stout, flattened vertically, and generally somewhat pubes- 

 cent, especially toward the base. The margins are regularly crenately serrate and under a 

 lens may be seen to have a sparse pubescence. The apex is generally acuminate, sometimes 

 simply acute. The under surface of the leaf is lighter green than the upper surface. In 

 autumn the blades change to a distinct yellow, while the petioles become either yellow or 

 reddish. 



In winter the Balm of Gilead may be readily known by the large buds upon the 

 twigs, these buds having a strong balsamic odor and a distinct coating of balsam between 

 the scales. The bark of the twigs is generally of an olive -brown color with a shining sur- 

 face. The trees often reach a height of fifty or sixty feet, with the bark of the upper part 

 of the trunk rather smooth and of a greenish-gray color while that of the lower part of the 

 trunk is likely to be ridged and much darker. In spring the blossoms appear slightly later 

 than those of the common Aspen, the catkins being long and slender and grayish or green- 

 ish in color. Curiously enough, no one seems to have been able to rind any pollen-bearing 

 catkins on the trees of this variety, all of those present being the seed-bearing forms. 

 But these commonly do not set seed because of the lack of pollen and soon drop off, lying 

 under the trees in a way to suggest an army of hairy caterpillars. The young leaves are 

 thickly covered with resinous hairs. These are especially abundant on the petioles and the 

 margins of the blades. 



As a shade tree the Balm of Gilead has both advantages and disadvantages. It is 

 easily propagated from cuttings or suckers and it grows rapidly. It furnishes a rather 

 dense shade, and its general effect is pleasing. Its roots extend deep into the ground, so 

 that it is able to forage far beneath the pavements of city streets. Its leaves are smooth 

 and shining, and not easily clogged by the dust and smoke of city chimneys. On the other 

 hand, the odor of the twigs is disagreeable to some people, the falling catkins and leaves 

 are sometimes troublesome, and the tendency to send up shoots or suckers from the roots 

 is often a serious objection. 



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