Commiphora gileadensis and Commiphora opobalsamum are small Middle Eastern trees with aromatic bark that exude resin which can be used for incense. They provide true Balm of Gilead, which is also called Mecca Balsam and Balsam of Gilead. 2. In the West the fragrant, resinous buds of several other trees are substituted for true Balm of Gilead. These include Abies balsamea (called Canada Balsam, American Silver Fir, Balm of Gilead Fir, Balsam Fir), Populus balsamifera (called Populus candicans, Balm of Gilead Poplar, Balsam Poplar, Eastern Balsam Poplar, Tacamahac, Hackmatack) and Populus nigra (called Black Poplar and Lombardy Poplar).