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Black Italian Poplar

Populus x canadensis 'serotina'

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Malpighiales
Family:
Salicaceae (Willow)
Also in this family:
Almond Willow, Aspen, Balm of Gilead, Bay Willow, Black Poplar, Common Osier, Crack Willow, Creeping Willow, Dark-leaved Willow, Downy Willow, Dwarf Willow, Eared Willow, Eastern Balsam Poplar, Goat Willow, Green-leaved Willow, Grey Poplar, Grey Willow, Holme Willow, Hybrid Black Poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Mountain Willow, Net-leaved Willow, North American Cottonwood, Olive Willow, Purple Willow, Railway Poplar, Rusty Willow, Silvery Creeping Willow, Tea-leaved Willow, Violet Willow, White Poplar, White Willow, Whortle-leaved Willow, Woolly Willow
Type:
Deciduous tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 metres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, hedgerows, parks, riversides, roadsides, woodland.

Flower:
✿
Red, no petals
 
Black Italian Poplar is dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. The male catkins are long, drooping, and red-tinged in early spring (usually March to April), releasing clouds of wind-dispersed pollen. Female catkins are green and more slender, appearing at the same time and maturing into seed-bearing structures. The cultivar 'Serotina' tends to flower later than typical hybrids, hence the name (Latin serotina = late).
Fruit:
Female trees produce capsular fruits containing numerous tiny seeds with long, silky white hairs, often mistaken for cotton-like fluff in the air. These are released in late spring to early summer, and are spread widely by wind. Because many ornamental plantings are of male trees to avoid nuisance seed-fluff, fruit may be rarely encountered.
Leaves:
The leaves are broadly triangular to diamond-shaped, with fine-toothed edges and a long, flattened petiole that causes them to flutter in the breeze. They are dark green and glossy on top, paler beneath, and turn yellow in autumn. Compared to other poplars, the leaves of 'Serotina' appear later in spring and fall later in autumn, giving it a longer growing season.
Fragrance:
This tree has no floral scent, as its catkins are wind-pollinated. However, the sticky buds can release a balsamic or resinous scent when crushed, similar to that of the Balsam Poplar. This faint scent is sometimes noticed on warm days when walking near poplars in spring.
Other Names:
Canadian Poplar, Carolina Poplar, Late Poplar.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Black Poplar
Black Poplar

Eastern Balsam Poplar

Other Information

Summary

Populus x canadensis 'serotina' is a cultivar of the hybrid species Populus x canadensis, which is a cross between Populus alba (white poplar) and Populus nigra (black poplar). This cultivar is also known as 'Lombardy Poplar' or 'Canadian Poplar'. It is a tall, fast-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It is known for its columnar or pyramidal shape, with a single straight trunk and a narrow crown. The leaves are triangular, dark green in color and have a white, felted underside, which gives the tree its common name. The tree produces catkins that contain both male and female flowers, which appear before the leaves in early spring. It is often used as a ornamental tree in parks and gardens, for stabilizing riverbanks, for timber and also for paper production.

Blog

The Black Italian Poplar, also known as Populus x canadensis 'serotina', is a tree species that has been widely planted for its fast growth, shade-giving ability, and ornamental value. In this blog post, we will explore the unique characteristics of this tree, its uses, and some interesting facts about it.

Description

The Black Italian Poplar is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Salicaceae family. It is a hybrid between Populus nigra and Populus deltoides. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a spread of 10-15 meters. The tree has a fast growth rate and can reach maturity within 20-30 years. Its leaves are triangular in shape and have a glossy, dark green color. The bark is grayish-brown and has deep fissures when the tree is mature.

Uses

The Black Italian Poplar has several uses, including:

  1. Ornamental purposes: Due to its fast growth rate and attractive appearance, the Black Italian Poplar is often used for ornamental purposes in parks, gardens, and along streets.

  2. Timber: The wood of the Black Italian Poplar is lightweight and easy to work with, making it ideal for use in furniture, boxes, and plywood.

  3. Environmental: The Black Italian Poplar is also used in environmental restoration projects, such as erosion control and stream bank stabilization.

Interesting Facts

  1. The Black Italian Poplar is sometimes called "Lombardy Poplar" because it was first grown in the Lombardy region of Italy.

  2. The tree's scientific name, Populus x canadensis 'serotina', reflects its hybrid origins. "Populus" is the Latin word for "poplar," while "canadensis" refers to its parent species, Populus deltoides, which is native to North America. "Serotina" means "late," referring to the tree's late-summer flowering period.

  3. The Black Italian Poplar has a shallow root system, which makes it prone to toppling over in strong winds. For this reason, it is not recommended for planting in areas that are prone to storms or high winds.

  4. The Black Italian Poplar is a dioecious plant, meaning that male and female flowers are found on separate trees.

The Black Italian Poplar is a versatile tree species that is prized for its fast growth rate, ornamental value, and environmental benefits. Its unique hybrid origins make it a fascinating addition to any garden or park, and its lightweight wood is highly sought after in the timber industry. Despite its shallow root system, this tree is a popular choice for many landscape architects and homeowners. If you are looking for a fast-growing tree that can provide shade and beauty to your outdoor space, the Black Italian Poplar is definitely worth considering.

In addition to its uses and interesting facts, there are some other noteworthy characteristics of the Black Italian Poplar that are worth exploring further.

Adaptability

One of the reasons why the Black Italian Poplar is so widely planted is its adaptability to a variety of growing conditions. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from clay to sand, and is able to grow in both wet and dry soils. It is also able to tolerate pollution and urban environments, making it a popular choice for planting along highways and in cities.

Wildlife Habitat

The Black Italian Poplar provides valuable habitat for a range of wildlife species, including birds and insects. The tree's seeds are a source of food for birds, while its leaves provide shelter for insects and their larvae. The tree is also used as a nesting site for birds, such as woodpeckers and nuthatches.

Cultural Significance

The Black Italian Poplar has a long history of cultural significance in Italy, where it has been grown for centuries for its ornamental value. The tree is also associated with several legends and folklore stories, including one in which a poplar tree is transformed into a beautiful woman who enchants a young man. In addition, the Black Italian Poplar has been the subject of several works of art, including paintings and photographs.

Maintenance

While the Black Italian Poplar is a fast-growing and low-maintenance tree, it does require some care and attention to ensure its health and longevity. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the tree's shape and to remove dead or damaged branches. In addition, the tree's shallow root system means that it can be susceptible to drought and nutrient deficiencies, so it is important to provide regular watering and fertilization.

Medicinal Properties

The bark of the Black Italian Poplar has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, pain, and inflammation. The bark contains salicin, a compound that is similar to aspirin, which has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Climate Benefits

Trees, including the Black Italian Poplar, play an important role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The fast growth rate of the Black Italian Poplar means that it can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a rapid pace, making it a valuable tool for combatting climate change.

Windbreaks and Privacy Screens

The tall, slender shape of the Black Italian Poplar makes it ideal for use as a windbreak or privacy screen. When planted in rows, the trees can create a barrier that blocks wind and noise, while also providing privacy from neighboring properties.

Bee-Friendly

The Black Italian Poplar is a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees, making it an important tree for promoting bee populations and supporting pollination.

In summary, the Black Italian Poplar is a multi-purpose tree species that offers a range of benefits, from its medicinal properties and climate benefits to its use as a windbreak and bee-friendly plant. Whether you are a homeowner looking to add shade and beauty to your garden or a land manager seeking to restore degraded landscapes, the Black Italian Poplar is a versatile and valuable tree species to consider.

Facts about Black Italian Poplar trees

  1. Scientific name: Populus x canadensis 'serotina'
  2. Also known as Lombardy Poplar or Italian Poplar
  3. Fast-growing tree species that can grow up to 100 feet tall
  4. Native to Europe and Western Asia
  5. Often planted as an ornamental tree for its unique columnar shape and bright green foliage
  6. Adaptable to a variety of soil types and can grow in wet or dry conditions
  7. Provides valuable habitat for wildlife, including birds and insects
  8. Has a long history of cultural significance in Italy, where it has been grown for centuries
  9. Bark contains salicin, a compound that has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties
  10. Plays an important role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
  11. Ideal for use as a windbreak or privacy screen
  12. Valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees

The Black Italian Poplar is a fast-growing, tall tree species that is known for its unique columnar shape and bright green foliage. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is often planted as an ornamental tree for its aesthetic value. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types and growing conditions, making it a popular choice for urban environments and restoration projects. The Black Italian Poplar provides valuable habitat for wildlife and has a long history of cultural significance in Italy. It also has medicinal properties, can help mitigate climate change, and is ideal for use as a windbreak or privacy screen. Overall, the Black Italian Poplar is a versatile and valuable tree species that offers a range of benefits for both people and the environment.