About
Populus _ canescens, the grey poplar, is a large, fast-growing, deciduous tree to more than 30 m, spreading or upright in habit, with dark-green, glossy leaves that are grey underneath. In early spring, red catkins appear on male trees; rarely seen green catkins on females. A rewarding and architectural tree for a large, open, moist site.
About the genus
Populus, the poplars and aspens, are mostly very fast-growing, large, deciduous trees producing male and female catkins on separate trees before the leaves open in spring. Male catkins are the more ornamental; female trees can be a nuisance from cottony, wind-blown seeds. Excellent trees for large landscapes.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
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. Train as a central-leader standard. Never allow competing leaders to develop. Established trees need little pruning; sucker removal 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 leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus