About
A large, deciduous tree with a rounded habit and gnarled, furrowed bark, to 20m tall, with glossy, diamond-shaped green foliage and yellow-green catkins which appear before the leaves open in early spring and are pollinated by the wind. Tolerates exposed sites and waterlogged soils so a good choice for shelterbelts, woodlands and parks. A declining species and an endangered tree in the UK.
About the genus
Populus are deciduous trees, mostly very fast-growing and large, with male and female catkins on separate trees, opening before the leaves. Male catkins are the more ornamental, female ones can be a nuisance from the cottony, wind-blown seeds
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poorly drained, or moist but well-drained soil. Its size, vigour and ability to spread by suckers give it the potential to become a nuisance in a garden situation if not managed well
PruningPruning group 1; sucker removal in autumn or winter
PropagationPropagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus