poplars

Populus is a genus of trees and shrubs in the family Salicaceae, commonly referred to as poplars. The group includes several well-known types such as aspens and cottonwoods, with roughly 25 to 35 species distributed across the temperate zones of Asia, Europe, and North America.

Poplars are deciduous and typically fast-growing. They range from tall, upright trees to columnar forms and, in some species, shrubs. Leaves are simple and usually alternately arranged; shapes vary from round to lanceolate or deltoid, many with a finely toothed margin. Many poplars have flattened petioles that cause the leaves to flutter in the breeze. The trees produce catkins; most species are dioecious, bearing either male or female catkins. Female catkins release cottony seeds that disperse with the wind. Poplars commonly propagate by root suckers, forming clonal stands.

Native to the Northern Hemisphere, poplars favor moist soils and are often found along rivers, wetlands, and disturbed sites. They tolerate a range of conditions but generally require adequate water; some species can withstand colder climates while others tolerate heat and drought poorly.

Economically, poplars are valued for timber, pulpwood, and ornamental use in parks and streets. They are also planted as windbreaks and for rapid biomass production. Ecologically, they provide habitat for birds and insects and contribute to soil stabilization along waterways.

Management considerations include their shallow, spreading root systems, which can damage pavements and underground utilities. They are susceptible to pests such as poplar borer and aphids, and diseases including canker and rust. Some clones can escape cultivation and become invasive in non-native regions.

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