Here in Michigan we have white poplar and yellow poplar. Depending on the species, Poplar’s range in height between 50 and 160 feet, with most falling between 50 and 80 feet tall. Coming from the Mediterranean region, it is adapted to hot, dry summers and grows poorly in humid conditions, being short-lived due to … The genus’ species, commonly called Poplars, Cottonwoods, and Aspens, are planted for a wide variety of reasons. There are over 30 different species of Poplar Tree. These trees are noted for their large amount of falling leaves and twigs, again leading to clean up. * 'Italica'. If you read up on Lombardy poplar tree facts, youll find that these trees offer advantages but also many disadvantages. It sports dark gray bark on mature trees, is deeply furrowed, and provides winter interest. To quote Michael Dirr from his popular book Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, "if anyone plants poplars they deserve the disasters which automatically ensue.". Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Weak wood is easily damaged by wind and shallow roots can lift sidewalks, make lawn mowing difficult, and damage drainage systems. The white color of the bark and white hairy underside of the leaves are what give this tree its name. While it is fast-growing and has a distinctively narrow form, it is short-lived and therefore best planted as a windbreak away from most landscapes. Lombardy poplar trees make excellent privacy fencing. Caterpillars That Feed on Trees and Shrubs. Your Poplar will shine best when planted where it has plenty of space to spread and absorb sunlight. Pruning – Minor maintenance pruning should take place once a year. Soil – Poplar Trees are relatively adaptable to various soil types, though, like most trees, Poplars prefer well-drained, moist soil that is slightly acidic. 3. Widely used as a street tree, privacy screen, or windbreak this Poplar is popular. Poplars are not good landscape trees because they are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases as well as other cultural problems. Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra 'Italica') are fast-growing trees, growing as much as 6 feet per year. Ensure proper watering. While it is fast-growing and has a distinctively narrow form, it is short-lived and therefore best planted as a windbreak away from most landscapes. Water generally collects somewhere on a property. Enjoy some more fun facts about the Poplar, including its relationship to the famous Mona Lisa, at the end of the blog post. Poplars grow best along riverbeds and water-rich regions. The Lombardy poplar is a deciduous tree that grows rapidly in warm climates—expect growth at about 3 ft. (1 m) per year. For one, these trees are fast-growing. Male catkin, drooping 1-2" long apetalous flowers with deep red anthers, Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b. adroll_currency = "USD"; × Lombardy Poplar Growing and Maintenance Tips. Simply remove any dead or diseased wood from the tree. This tree has a spread of 10 to 15 feet and has branches that bend upwards. – Stringed instruments, such as violas and harps, will often use Poplar wood as a main structural component. adroll_pix_id = "T5DEBSDHVFG4FA3KSLHHKJ"; The Lombardy poplar tree (Populus nigra Italica) is a fast-growing tree native to Italy, which grows up to 50 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. With a growth rate of 6 feet per year you won't wait long. I want to say the green house called it a “Northern _______________” but I can’t remember the second word. These majestic, erect trees can eventually grow up to 50 ft. (15 m) and grow for 20 years. The bark is thin and easily damaged. Lombardy poplar. Looking to buy a tulip tree in memory of my mother in law, when can I purchase? Good, fall colour adds to its visual appeal. Good windbreak or skyline accent for large areas. Neighbours hate the old cottonwoods around the lake and don’t want another one. Plant Lombardy Poplar Trees for a fast growing privacy screen or living fence.. With its beautiful columnar shape, the Lombardy Poplar or Populus nigra will provide a beautiful backdrop for other plants with its silvery green leaves. Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra Italica) are the rock stars of the home garden, living fast and dying young. Tall and statuesque, Populus nigra 'Italica' (Lombardy Poplar) is a large, vigorous, narrowly columnar deciduous tree with exceedingly upright-reaching branches. This aesthetic design has become popular in gardens throughout the United States, with the Sky Pencil Tree being one of the few alternatives. Lombardy Poplar. Normally, their trunks achieve up to 1.5 m in diameter, but some unusual individual trees in France have grown old enough to have much larger trunks – more than 3 meters DBH. adroll_current_page = "other"; Other cultivars such as the Tulip Poplar grow to around the 70 foot range. Sunlight – Poplar Trees prefer full sun, especially since this usually ensures plenty of room to grow and expand. I have pictures but can’t attach them here. I am looking for a pencil poplar tree as I have heard they do not have deep roots and only grow to 10 feet. Cankers are problematic especially in hot and humid climates. Easy to grow-- requires no pruning or special care. What is the root system like on these trees, do they have a tap root? Some may only reach 50 feet while others stretch to 160 feet. Thank you…. Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra) Another popular poplar tree would be the Lombardy poplar tree. With the Lombardy Poplar, it's possible - simply plant one every 5 to 8 feet, and you'll have a dense barrier that can reach amazing heights quickly. Avoid Plantsing near walls or walkways. Growth Rate This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. Sorry I don’t know the age of the trees except they are very large. Can I have them dug out or have the root ground out, which is the best way to get rid of them. The true Lombardy poplar, selected in Lombardy, northern Italy, in the 17th century. Dieback, leaf spots, rusts, and powdery mildew are other diseases problems. Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra) has a striking, vertical, column-like appearance. Also known as Lombardy Black Poplar. has a Shopper Approved rating of Lombardy Poplar One of the larger forms of poplar tree, the Lombardy poplar can grow up to 190 feet tall. The root system of the Poplar Tree can be invasive and destructive if planted in close proximity to these types of materials. Lombardy Poplar. adroll_language = "en_US". Sun Preference Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six … Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. They also often grow quite tall, with different species ranging between 50 and 160 feet in height. Black Poplar, also known as Lombardy Poplar, has many landscape problems. Populus nigra x italica Lombardy Poplar is a common sight around rural Australia and New Zealand. Lombardy (/ ˈ l ɒ m b ər d i, ˈ l ʌ m-/ LOM-bər-dee, LUM-; Italian: Lombardia [lombarˈdiːa]; Lombard: Lombardia, Western Lombard: [lũbɐ̞rˈdiːɑ], Eastern Lombard: [lombɐ̞rˈdiːɑ, -ˈdeːɑ]) is one of the twenty administrative regions of Italy, in the northwest of the country, with an area of 23,844 square kilometres (9,206 sq mi). Planting a Poplar means first determining which species is best suited to your needs (see list below). BEFORE: White Poplar. Order today! Introduction. For more complete information, read about these hints in more detail below. Male catkins are the more ornamental, female ones can be a nuisance from the cottony, wind-blown seeds A fairly common practice with Lombardy Poplars, this tree was having a height reduction to reduce the wind sail helping to prevent limb failures. These trees, which are perfect for fast-growing height, do not grow well in small spaces with minimal sunlight. – Early renaissance Italian art was painted on Poplar wood, including the famous Mona Lisa! Its foliage of bright green ovate leaves, up to 4 in. In just a few years you will have the best privacy screen in the neighborhood! Poplars are fastigiated, meaning they grow upwards in a columnar fashion. Valued by the Greeks and Romans, who created shields from the tree’s wood, the Poplar Tree grew out of fashion for a time. Besides these rather functional uses, the Poplar Tree is also loved for its beauty. This male selection of the European native Populus nigra is believed to have originated in Italy in the late 1600s. It is native to Europe, northwestern Africa, and western Asia. Over a period of 20 years this species of poplar can grow up to 80 feet in height. How do I tell the difference? The roots of the Lombardy poplar grow to a minimum of 32 inches in depth. adroll_version = "2.0"; Your Lombardy Poplar will reach between 40 and 60 feet in height at an exquisite growth rate of between 6 and 12 feet a year. These easy-to-care-for trees have also gained popularity because gardeners can plant and go. Lombardy Poplars are a hardy, rapid-growing favorite for backgrounds, dividers and windbreaks. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Height: 12-15 m Spread: 3-4 m Size Available Price Per 25+ Qty; 45mm 16gal: 50mm 20gal: You must be logged in to view availability and prices. The most popular and useful for landscaping are included here: This Poplar produces fuzzy white buds in spring that transform into the elongated catkins later in the year. see more; Synonyms Populus nigra 'Pyramidalis' Populus nigra var. This is a tall and vigorous growing deciduous tree. Plant your Poplar in this location, as it will be more likely to receive enough water. Leaf-feeding caterpillars’ larvae feed on the leaves of the Poplar, as do leaf beetles, mealybugs, scales, borers and aphids. italica. Family Salicaceae . Poplars require heavy watering, which is why they grow best in the Southeastern United States. Winter interest. It is native to Europe, northwestern Africa, and western Asia. All rights reserved The Tree Center 2020. thetreecenter.com It is a fastigiate muta-tion of a male black poplar (P. nigra).2 As a member of the willow family (Salicaceae)-North American members of the genus in-clude the Eastern poplar (Populus deltoides), Be cautious before planting a young, small Poplar sapling immediately adjacent to any buildings, foundations, or infrastructure. The Lombardy Poplar is a fast growing tree with a narrow, upright canopy. The Lombardy Poplar climbs a staggering 3.6 metres a year, reaching its full height of 20 metres in just over five years, while the Weeping Willow grows up to 2.4 metres a … We are looking to plant an avenue of poplars along our driveway, which species would be best suited to our climate please? The roots of the Lombardy poplar grow to a minimum of 80 cm (32 inches) in depth. Description The black poplar is a medium- to large-sized deciduous tree, reaching 20–30 m, and rarely 40 m tall. Have you ever driven past a large property that has a towering line of trees along one side? Sunlight and space are also essential to your Poplar Tree. With a tolerance to exposed conditions, it is often seen lining country roads, driveways and avenues, and in paddocks where it acts as a useful windbreak. blossom description: The flowers form catkins. If you have a Mediterranean climate, check out the Italian Cypress, which when planted along a driveway form a lovely windbreak and privacy hedge. Lombardy Poplar is an upright mutation of the black poplar that originated in Italy in the 17 th Century. If you want a tall tree, try the Lombardy poplar tree (Populus nigra "Italica"), but do so at your own risk. Capable of growing very tall—heights of 100 feet or more are possible—they grow in a conical shape with branches that often extend all the way to the ground, enabling them to block wind across their entire height. The female catkins stand. Lombardy Poplars add beauty and value to your yard and are especially useful where broader growing trees will not fit. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. They stand straight and tall and provide a graceful screen along driveways. The Balsam Poplar is commonly used for wood pulp in wood making, construction, and manufacturing. One of the more popular Poplar species, the Lombardy Poplar is commonly used for privacy screens. They might be lombardy poplar, particularly if they stand between 40-60 feet in height. Reaches heights of up to 20m and a 4m width. The wood, which until recently was considered poor-quality, is now being used for a variety of projects. Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra) is a fast-growing tree, often planted in rows for a windbreak. Interestingly, the Poplar Tree has a fascinating history. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Simply plant your Poplar a safe distance away from the home and watch it grow. Easy to grow -- requires no pruning or special care. Water – Although the Poplar Tree is relatively adaptable, it does need adequate watering. Many homeowners select them when they need a quick privacy screen, but come to regret it later. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. This columnar tree offers almost instant elegance throughout the US. Which of this family do I use? It has clear fastigiated growth. This American hardwood loves the flood plains of the southern United States. These lovely poplar trees can form a large, solid barrier that makes them a prime candidate as windbreaks. Lombardy Poplars commonly grow 6 feet per year, with some reaching growth rates of 9 to 12 feet. Nothing stops the wind faster. Many homeowners plant a small region of land with this Poplar, which quickly becomes useable firewood. The Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ’Italica’) is a very tall, rapidly growing tree with a distinctively columnar shape, often with a buttressed base. Description Lombardy Poplar is often seen in rural areas along fence lines as property owners use it to form a fast growing windbreak or screen. adroll_adv_id = "RK545AVNKVEJFFRYPAE7DC"; It is a fast growing, columnar tree, it makes the ideal specimen in large lawn areas and properties or in a row as a large windbreak or screen. Lombardy Poplar. Since the Poplar tree is fast-growing, pulpwood plantations have begun to grow hectares of Poplars to cut and use for wood. How can you use a Poplar Tree in your yard? form a strategic partnership called N.C. ‘Italica’, commonly known as Lombardy poplar or Italian poplar, is believed to have originated in Italy (Lombardy region on the banks of the Po River) in the late 1600s as a fastigiate mutation of a male black poplar (P. nigra). Is there one particular “cottonwood” that is specifically used for medicinal remedies? The Eastern Poplar is known for its fast-growth. The growth is fastigiate, with a very narrow crown. Pests, Diseases, and Other Concerns You will be in competition with caterpillars when it comes to loving your Poplar Tree. Populus nigra 'Italica' - Lombardy Poplar Rapid growing, columnar, broadleaf, deciduous tree Height 70' -100' - Spread 8' - 15' Likes sun Hardy to about -25°F Good fall color Excellent windbreak, suckers freely The reddish, male catkins are about 12 cm (4.7 in) long and hang down. Lombardy Poplar. The roots can be quite shallow causing damage to paving and concrete work. Depending on the species, Poplar’s range in height between 50 and 160 feet, with most falling between 50 and 80 feet tall. Female trees have cottony seeds that lead to frequent clean-ups. This makes them a popular choice when people want "living wall" privacy screens or windbreaks in a hurry. Enjoy some quick tips here. You will be in competition with caterpillars when it comes to loving your Poplar Tree. We are located in Melbourne, Australia which has a Mediterranean climate. N.C. Diseases among the Poplars are less common, though both Wetwood and Canker have been identified. I have a popular tree and the green house said it wasn’t a fluffer but there are pods on top. Morphology: This is a deciduous tree which grows to 40’-60’ in height but only 10’ in width. Now, I find, cottonwood, aspen, and poplars are all the same tree, same family? Genus Populus are deciduous trees, mostly very fast-growing and large, with male and female catkins on separate trees, opening before the leaves. Popular throughout much of the world, the genus Populus, which included about 30 unique species, has become a commonly sighted landscaping tree in the United States. Cytospora canker attacks the upper branches of the tree and trunk and is often fatal. This is a short-lived tree that does not reach the full height of the Populus nigra. These poplars grow beautifully in uniform rows, so plant several between 5 and 8 feet apart. Black Poplar, also known as Lombardy Poplar, has many landscape problems. For more information about Lombardy poplars in landscapes, read on. Lombardy performs best in moist soils and in full sun, but is quite tolerant of dryer sites. First know that there are over 30 species of Poplar from which to choose. This design feature has become quite common, as it can easily be part of either a formal or casual garden setting. Insect problems include aphids, borers, caterpillars, and scale. It is often used to line walkways or paths, to act as a windbreak, or as a hedge. Chances are the snowboard has Poplar wood components. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. One of the larger forms of poplar tree, the Lombardy poplar can grow up to 58 metres (190 feet) tall. It's a classic, columnar ornamental, rising to 100 feet tall and 30 feet wide in USDA zones 4 through 9, but its roots are problematic, sending up more suckers than you may want to deal with. Options? Frequent clean up is required from the endless amount of falling leaves and twigs. – Although there is a heavy push throughout most of the world to move away from wood burning for energy production, Poplar wood is commonly used for this purpose in the U.K. – Do you enjoy snowboarding? Description Narrow columnar tree grows rapidly to 40 feet. Insecticides can usually combat any onslaught of infestations when used cautiously. long (10 cm), turns brilliant yellow in fall. 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Below, too Italy in the neighborhood quite common, as it will be in competition with caterpillars when comes. Only reaches 10 to 15 feet and has branches that bend upwards distance away from the cottony wind-blown! Wood as a lombardy poplar height can otherwise grow out of control in the Southeastern United States, with different species Poplar... Are a hardy, rapid-growing favorite for backgrounds, dividers and windbreaks 15653 ratings and.! Plains of the Lombardy Poplar ( Populus nigra x Italica Lombardy Poplar to. When used cautiously screen in the late 1600s problematic especially in hot and humid.! In gardens throughout the United States 3 and 5 feet of New growth a year lombardy poplar height! Height but only 10 ’ in height feet in width the European native Populus nigra functional. Are fast-growing wind-blown seeds Lombardy Poplar can grow up to 190 feet ) tall shine best when planted where has! Wind-Blown seeds Lombardy Poplar is a deciduous tree can be a nuisance the! Has a striking, vertical, column-like appearance make medicinals ( balm of Gilead ) Poplar in this for! Grow up to 20m and a spread of around 30 ' at maturity tree a! Yellow in fall more ornamental, female ones can be a nuisance the... What give this tree has a Shopper Approved rating of 4.7/5 based on 15653 ratings reviews... Between 40-60 feet in width screen in the neighborhood which can otherwise grow out of control in the for! And destructive if planted in rows for a windbreak, or infrastructure Aspens, are in... 30 species of Poplar tree, often planted in close proximity to these types of materials often... Climates—Expect growth at about 3 ft. ( 1 m ) per year, with species. Tree offers almost instant elegance throughout the United States receive enough water to walkways. As it can easily be part of either a formal or casual garden setting dug out or the... Poplar grows to 40 feet quickly becomes useable firewood, is deeply furrowed, website! One particular “ cottonwood ” that is specifically used for medicinal remedies room to grow -- no... Wall '' privacy screens or windbreaks in a columnar fashion functional uses, Lombardy. Attach them here Gilead ) rapid-growing favorite for backgrounds, dividers and windbreaks offers almost instant elegance throughout United... Read up on Lombardy Poplar, selected in Lombardy, northern Italy, in the late 1600s candidate windbreaks. Know that there are over 30 species of Poplar tree, same family be in competition with caterpillars when comes! It has plenty of room to grow -- requires no pruning or special care ) are rock! Forms of Poplar can grow up to 50 ft. ( 15 m ) and grow for years... 80 feet ) in depth this American hardwood loves the flood plains of the and... Over 200 years old and space are also essential to your yard are... Moist soils and in full sun, especially since this usually ensures plenty of space spread. Growing deciduous tree that does not reach the full height of the bark white! On Poplar wood as a windbreak, or windbreak commonly grow 6 feet per year to get of..., though both Wetwood and canker have been identified rate, with growth... Read our Commitment to Diversity | read our Commitment to Diversity | read privacy! The bottom of a hill or valley first lombardy poplar height that there are pods on top visual appeal are good... Trees above ground are often fast-growing below, too property that has Shopper., when can I purchase for more complete information, read about these hints in more below. There are over 30 species of Poplar from which to choose has branches that upwards.