Populus Canescens

Description

Populus Canescens, commonly known as Grey Poplar, is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the Salicaceae family. This tree species is native to Europe and Western Asia, but it has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. The grey poplar has a medium growth rate and can grow up to a height of 20-30 meters, with a spread of 10-15 meters. It has a broad, rounded crown, and its bark is gray-brown and rough.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The grey poplar has a unique appearance that makes it stand out among other tree species. Its leaves are triangular in shape and have a glossy green color on the upper surface and a pale green color on the lower surface. The leaves are also slightly toothed and have a length of 6-10 cm. The tree blooms in the spring with catkins that are yellowish-green in color. The male catkins are longer and more prominent than the female catkins.

Care Guide

The grey poplar is a hardy tree species that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some care tips for this tree species:

• Water: The grey poplar prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought. It is important to ensure that the tree is watered regularly during the first few years after planting.
• Fertilization: The grey poplar does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote growth.
• Soil: The grey poplar can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: The grey poplar requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly.
• Hardiness Zones: The grey poplar can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

The grey poplar is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves of the tree. They can cause the leaves to curl and drop prematurely.
• Borers: These are beetle larvae that tunnel into the bark of the tree and can cause extensive damage to the trunk and branches.
• Canker: This is a fungal disease that can cause sunken areas on the bark of the tree. It can also cause dieback of the branches.
• Rust: This is a fungal disease that can cause yellow spots on the leaves and can also lead to defoliation.

Habitat

The grey poplar can grow in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, floodplains, and disturbed areas. It is also commonly grown as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. This tree species can tolerate a wide range of soil types and can grow in areas with high levels of pollution.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the grey poplar a fast-growing tree?

A: The grey poplar has a medium growth rate, with an average height increase of 1-2 feet per year.

Q: Can the grey poplar be grown in containers?

A: The grey poplar is not suitable for container gardening as it requires a lot of space to grow and develop properly.

Q: Is the grey poplar a good shade tree?

A: Yes, the grey poplar is a good shade tree as it has a broad, rounded crown that can provide ample shade during the summer months.

Q: How long does the grey poplar live?

A: The grey poplar can live up to 100 years or more if it is grown in optimal conditions and is not affected by pests or diseases.

Related Plants

• Populus Alba
• Populus Nigra
• Populus Tremula
• Populus Grandidentata

References

• “Populus Canescens.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283527&isprofile=0&pt=2.
• “Populus Canescens.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed 15 July 2021. https://www.kew.org/science/tropamerica/imagedatabase/namedetail.do?name_id=172229.
• “Grey Poplar.” The Tree Center. Accessed 15 July 2021. https://www.thetreecenter.com/grey-poplar/.