Populus
( PAW - pew - luss )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of deciduous trees, commonly called Poplar, Cottonwood, or Aspen, needs full sun and regular water. The flowers will attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. These are fast-growing, hardy trees that are best suited to rural areas that experience hot summers and cool winters. Many species have great fall color, and leaves are triangular and toothed (for the most part). Catkins appear in springtime before leafout, and female trees produce fluffy, cottony seeds that can make a mess.
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populus Species and Varietals
Populus Tree growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Populus alba (White Poplar) This species does well in zones A3, 1-11 and 14-21, and is native to Europe and Asia. These trees top out around 40-70 feet tall and wide. Leaves are beautiful, and flutter in the breeze, revealing white undersides (hence the common name). This species produces a lot of suckers; a good quality if planted as a windbreak. Varieties include 'Raket' (cone-shaped tree to 15 feet tall), and Populus alba pyramidalis (commonly called Bolleana Poplar, with a columnar shape and white or light grey trunk). |
Populus angustifolia (Narrowleaf Poplar) This species does well in zones 1-11 and 14-21 and is native from Alberta, Canada down to Mexico (mostly in the Rocky Mountains at around 8,000 feet of elevation). These trees reach 50-60 feet tall and 35-45 feet wide, with narrow, willow-like leaves and green bark when young. |
Populus balsamifera trichocarpa (Populus trichocarpa) (Black Cottonwood) This species does well in zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-24 and is native from Alaska down to southern California. Reaches between 30-100 feet tall and 25-30 feet wide, with furrowed dark gray bark. Wood is brittle; protect from strong winds. Leaves are deep green on top and silvery underneath. Gold-yellow fall color. |
Populus fremontii (Western Cottonwood, Fremont Cottonwood) Best in zones 1-12 and 14-21, this species is native to California and Mexico. It reaaches 40-60 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Foliage is yellow-green and turns lemon yellow in cooler temperatures. Leaves last almost through the winter in mild climates. Varietal 'Nevada' is a good male (and therefore seedless) variety. |
Populus nigra 'Italica' (Lombardy Poplar) This species is best in zones A3, 1-11, 14-24 and is native to Europe. This is a male varietal (does not drop seeds). It has a column-shape and reaches 40-100 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide, with branches that reach up towards the sun. Great along driveways, as a windbreak, and a good choice for dry, cold, interior climates. Leaves are bright green and turn gold in fall. Suckers profusely. |
Populus tremula (European Aspen) This species is native to Africa, Asia, and Europe, and has dainty, glossy green leaves and grey-green bark. Can be grown as a single-trunked or multi-trunked tree. Variety 'Erecta' (also called Swedish Columnar Aspen), is a narrow selection with great red fall color. |
Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen) Grows well in zones A1-A3, 1-7 and 14-19 and is native to mountainous areas of the western United States (up to 9,000 feet in elevation). Short-lived and performs poorly in lowland regions. Smooth, pale bark and glossy green leaves. Reaches 20-60 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide, and makes a good background tree for wild-looking gardens and landscaped mountain properties. Commonly grown varieties include 'Mountain Sentinel' (narrow, upright to 35 feet tall and 8 feet wide at 30 years), and 'Prairie Gold' (40 feet tall and 15 feet wide, bred to tolerate lowland conditions and resist common diseases). |
Caring for and pruning Populus Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 525, Populus
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