Overview
Populus tremula is a spreading branched trees in the genus Populus, part of the Salicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Populus tremula grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe, N Africa and SW Asia.
About
Populus tremula is a sizable deciduous tree characterized by its expansive crown and tendency to produce suckers. The leaves are rounded, displaying a bronze hue during their early growth, and they exhibit a distinctive trembling motion in response to gentle winds. In the fall, the foliage shifts to a yellow coloration. Male specimens develop woolly, grey catkins.
About the genus
Populus consists of deciduous trees that typically grow rapidly and reach substantial sizes. These trees exhibit a dioecious reproductive system, with male and female catkins found on separate specimens, blooming prior to leaf emergence. The male catkins are generally more visually appealing, while the female catkins can be problematic due to their production of cottony seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Populus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Populus tremula size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, N Africa, SW Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Populus tremula
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soils but avoid planting in vicinity of buildings due to vigorous root system; it has the potential to become a nuisance. Very useful as a screen or as part of a shelter belt and grows very rapidly
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; sucker removal in autumn or winter if necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Populus tremula?
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soils but avoid planting in vicinity of buildings due to vigorous root system; it has the potential to become a nuisance. Very useful as a screen or as part of a shelter belt and grows very rapidly.
Where is the best place to plant Populus tremula?
Populus tremula prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Populus tremula need?
Populus tremula is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Populus tremula?
Pruning group 1; sucker removal in autumn or winter if necessary.
How big does Populus tremula grow?
Populus tremula reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Populus tremula hardy in the UK?
Populus tremula has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Populus tremula?
Propagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter.