Poplar

Poplar refers to trees in the genus Populus, in the family Salicaceae. The genus has about 30-40 species native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and has been widely planted for timber, pulp, and shade.

Description: Poplars are fast-growing deciduous trees with straight trunks and broad crowns. They often have smooth gray bark. Leaves are simple and variably shaped, usually serrated; many species have pale undersides. They flower in catkins in spring; seeds disperse in cottony hairs.

Ecology: They grow best in moist soils near rivers but some tolerate drought. Poplars have shallow roots and can sprout from roots or stumps, forming clonal stands. They are early-succession species and provide wildlife habitat.

Uses: Their rapid growth makes them valuable for timber, pulp, veneer, crates, and bioenergy. They are common in urban plantings as shade trees and windbreaks. Hybrids such as Populus × canadensis are used for fast biomass production.

Pests and diseases: Poplars are susceptible to rust fungi (Melampsora spp.), cankers, mildews, and borers. Management and site selection help reduce losses; many clones show improved resistance.

Notable species and varieties include European aspen (Populus tremula), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), black poplar (Populus nigra), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), and white poplar (Populus alba).