Overview
Populus trichocarpa is a spreading branched,columnar upright trees in the genus Populus, part of the Salicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Populus trichocarpa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include specimen trees and windbreaks.
About
Populus trichocarpa, the black cottonwood, western balsam-poplar or California poplar, is a deciduous broadleaf tree species native to western North America. It is used for timber, and is notable as a model organism in plant biology. The tree is notable for the seed-carrying cottony fluff it releases into the air each spring. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include specimen trees and windbreaks. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Stake young.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Populus trichocarpa
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
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Populus trichocarpa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched,Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Specimen trees, Windbreaks
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Populus trichocarpa
- Propagation
- Hardwood cuttings in winter,Suckers in autumn or late winter
- Pest resistance
- Leaf beetles,Sawflies,Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spots,Poplar bacterial canker,Tree rusts,Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Populus trichocarpa?
Populus trichocarpa prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Populus trichocarpa need?
Populus trichocarpa 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.
Is Populus trichocarpa hardy in the UK?
Populus trichocarpa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Populus trichocarpa?
Hardwood cuttings in winter,Suckers in autumn or late winter.
More in the Populus genus
- Populus ciliata
- Populus deltoides 'Cordata' (f)
- Populus x canescens 'Macrophylla'Pickart's poplar
- Populus szechuanica var. tibeticaTibetan poplar