''Populus'' × ''jackii'' (balm-of-Gilead, bam bud, bom-a-gilly) is the hybrid between balsam poplar, ''

Populus balsamifera ''Populus balsamifera'', commonly called balsam poplar, bam, bamtree, eastern balsam-poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac poplar, tacamahaca, is a tree species in the balsam poplar species group in the poplar genus, ''Populus.'' The genus name ''Populus ...

'', and the eastern cottonwood, '' Populus deltoides'', occurring occasionally where the two parental species' ranges overlap. The name is considered a synonym of ''Populus ontariensis''. It is sometimes called a cottonwood. This hybrid is also sometimes planted as a shade tree, and occasionally escapes from cultivation. This hybrid is also known by the synonyms * ''Populus ''×'' andrewsii'' Sargent * ''P. ''×'' bernardii'' Boivin * ''Populus candicans'' W. Aiton * ''P. ''×'' dutillyi'' Lepage * ''P. ''×'' generosa'' Henry * ''P. ''×'' gileadensis'' Rouleau * ''P. manitobensis'' Dode. The parental balsam poplar, ''P. balsamifera'', is also known as ''P. tacamahaca'' and ''P. trichocarpa,'' and is widespread in boreal North America. The name ''Populus candicans'' has been variously used for either ''P. balsamifera'' or ''P. '' × ''jackii''; it is currently considered a synonym of ''P. balsamifera.''

Fragrant resin

The tree is named after the unrelated biblical

Balm of Gilead Balm of Gilead was a rare perfume used medicinally that was mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and named for the region of Gilead, where it was produced. The expression stems from William Tyndale's language in the King James Bible of 1611 and has ...

, a ''

Commiphora ''Commiphora'' is the most species-rich genus of flowering plants in the frankincense and myrrh family, Burseraceae. The genus contains approximately 190 species of shrubs and trees, which are distributed throughout the (sub-) tropical regions of A ...

'' resin. Its leaf buds are coated with a

resin A resin is a solid or highly viscous liquid that can be converted into a polymer. Resins may be biological or synthetic in origin, but are typically harvested from plants. Resins are mixtures of organic compounds, predominantly terpenes. Commo ...

ous sap with a strong, pleasant turpentine or balsam odor that is most evident as the leaves unfold in the spring. For purposes of commerce, the buds are collected before they open, and can be cut up for pot-pourri or used in herbal medicine. Like other poplars, balm-of-Gilead is expected to contain

salicin Salicin is an alcoholic β-glucoside. Salicin is produced in (and named after) willow (''Salix'') bark. It is a biosynthetic precursor to salicylaldehyde. Salicin hydrolyses into Glucose, β-d-glucose and salicyl alcohol (saligenin). Salicyl al ...

in its bark, and in relation to traditional herbal treatment have been regarded as

antiscorbutic Scurvy is a deficiency disease (state of malnutrition) resulting from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Early symptoms of deficiency include weakness, fatigue, and sore arms and legs. Without treatment, decreased red blood cells, gum disease, ...

antiseptic An antiseptic ( and ) is an antimicrobial substance or compound that is applied to living tissue to reduce the possibility of sepsis, infection, or putrefaction. Antiseptics are generally distinguished from ''antibiotics'' by the latter's abil ...

, balsamic,

diuretic A diuretic () is any substance that promotes diuresis, the increased production of urine. This includes forced diuresis. A diuretic tablet is sometimes colloquially called a water tablet. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics ...

expectorant Mucoactive agents are a class of pharmacologic agents that include expectorants, mucolytics, mucoregulators, and mucokinetics that can affect the volume, viscosity, transportation, and composition of mucus or sputum. They often aid in clearing ...

stimulant Stimulants (also known as central nervous system stimulants, or psychostimulants, or colloquially as uppers) are a class of drugs that increase alertness. They are used for various purposes, such as enhancing attention, motivation, cognition, ...

and tonic.

Other considerations

As a hybrid, the tree does not breed true; it will also hybridize with other poplars in the area. Seeds must be sown within days of ripening in the spring or lose viability. It is sown on the surface or lightly covered in trays on a cold frame. Despite the tree's fragrance, the wood is "soft, rather woolly in texture", and lacks odor or taste, and is of relatively low flammability. A

rooting hormone Auxins (plural of auxin ) are a class of plant hormones (or plant-growth regulators) with some morphogen-like characteristics. Auxins play a cardinal role in coordination of many growth and behavioral processes in plant life cycles and are essent ...

has been collected by soaking its chopped up shoots in water for a day.

References

jackii Trees of Northern America Plant nothospecies {{Salicaceae-stub