Closely related to P. balsamifera and sometimes regarded as a variant of this or a hybrid P. balsamifera × P. deltoides, but with large, aromatic, sticky winter buds. Leaves 7-16 cm long, 5-10 cm wide, heart-shaped with a distinctly cordate base and abruptly pointed tip, leathery, dark glossy green above, whitish and slightly pubescent below especially on the veins. Leaf stalk 2-6 cm long, reddish, pubescent, channelled above and with 2 glands at junction with blade. [P. balsamifera var. subcordata Hyl.]

North America

Sometimes regarded as a hybrid but specimens cultivated in Australia as this species appear to be true. True Balm of Gilead (P. ×gileadensis Rouleau) is said by some authorities to be a sterile male clone of this species; its origin is unknown but it has long been planted in NE North America and SE Canada.

Leaves with deeply cordate base and hairy leaf stalks.

Specimens VIC: Dandenongs (R.J.Hamer Arboretum, 1975-76); Sale ('Strathfieldsaye', near huts). TAS: Hobart (Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens)

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Salicaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.