Of the four species you mention the OWB likes poplar the best, though it does leave a lot of ash behind. Best thing is it will burn good and stay burning (make coals) no matter if wet or even green in a pinch. It's also nice for mixing in with pines as the coals get them going good. Balsam burns up pretty fast (OWB has a forced air blower on it) I try to save wood like basswood and spruce for early/late in the heating season, that seems to work out pretty good.