balsam willow

noun

Meaning

A shrubby deciduous plant native to North America, characterized by its preference for moist, sandy soil and its fragrant, resinous buds.

Examples

  • The balsam willow thrives in the cool, marshy environments of the boreal forest.
  • Botanists identified the specimen as a balsam willow by the distinct shape of its leaves.

Synonyms: shrub, willow, Salix pyrifolia