About
A fast-growing deciduous tree, to around 25m high in 20 years and up to 40m high at maturity, with pale bark, sometimes slightly twisting branches, and triangular, glossy green leaves with bluntly toothed edges. Leaves are flushed copper when opening, and slender male catkins are produced in spring.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Care notes
CultivationCultivated for their very rapid growth as specimen trees. Useful as windbreaks. Tolerant of any soil other than constantly waterlogged soils. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root systems may damage drains and foundations, particularly on clay soils; has the potential to become a nuisance
PruningPruning group 1, in late summer to avoid infection from bacterial canker and bleeding from pruning cuts. Remove suckers in autumn or winter
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in winter and suckers in autumn or late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus