Hybrid Poplars in Landscapes
Hybrid poplars are tall, fast growing trees.
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Trees are an important part of the landscape. They are sources of shade, greenery and backdrops to other plantings. Poplars are large ornamental trees that have many different uses. Hybrid poplars, which result from cross-fertilization of two different poplar species, are more fast growing and disease-resistant than native poplars, making them especially good landscape choices. All poplars and poplar hybrids are generally suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 and above.
Poplars
Trees that belong to the genus Populus are generally referred to as poplars and include trees called aspens and cottonwoods. Generally fast growing and tough, poplars are aggressive growers with extensive root systems and are best adapted to rural areas, where their root systems won't interfere with drainage, sewer lines or cause damage to city sidewalks or other pavement. They produce drooping catkins during spring, followed by cottony seeds in summer that can accumulate on the ground. Although native species are susceptible to several pests and diseases, hybrid poplars are more disease-resistant and can be relatively carefree once established.
Carolina Poplars
Carolina poplars (Populus x canadensis) are exceptionally fast-growing hybrid trees that grow actively during spring and summer, adding several feet to their height each year and reaching a mature height of 50 to 80 feet. They do well in all soil types, prefer sun and have an erect, slightly oval form when well established. Carolina poplars require average amounts of water and tolerate wet periods well. Several cultivars are available, including "Imperial" and "Robusta." These two cultivars have upward-curving branches that give the trees an especially narrow shape. Because "Imperial" is sterile, it doesn't produce the cottony seeds common to most other poplars.
Cottonwood Hybrids
Trees commonly called cottonwoods are also members of the genus Populus and considered poplars. Hybridized varieties include the lanceleaf cottonwood (Populus x acuminata), named for its leaves that are broad at their centers and narrow at the stems and terminal ends. These trees grow naturally in areas of high elevation, between 4,500 and 8,500 feet above sea level, and are notable for their growth habit, with a single, central trunk and slender branches that give the tree an elliptical shape. Lanceleaf cottonwoods reach about 60 in height at maturity, with a spread of about 25 feet at the tree's crown. As a landscape planting, the tree requires abundant moisture and does well near water features, such as ponds or streams.
Other Hybrids
Many other hybridized poplar varieties are available as planting choices. Among these, the Assinboine poplar (Populus x "Assinboine") is especially hardy and more disease-resistant than many other poplars. As a sterile hybrid, it also lacks seeds. The Northwest poplar (Populus x jackii "Northwest") is another good choice that grows as a single-stemmed tree with smoother bark than most poplars. It is quite hardy and usually reaches a height of 50 to 60 feet, with an equal spread. It has a pleasing, golden-yellow fall foliage color, but is more short-lived than many poplars, living between 15 and 30 years. The Tower poplar (Populus x canescens "Tower") is an especially fast grower that develops a narrow, erect form, while the Manitou poplar (Populus x "Manitou") is a sterile, seedless hybrid that is quite broad and especially disease resistant.
North Dakota State University: Hybrid Poplar
Colorado Tree Coalition: Lanceleaf Cottonwood
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development: Shelterbelt Varieties for Alberta -- Northwest Poplar
Washington State University: Hybrid Poplar Research Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture: 'Imperial' Hybrid Poplar
Sunset.com: Populus
USDA.gov: Carolina Poplar
Joanne Marie began writing professionally in 1981. Her work has appeared in health, medical and scientific publications such as Endocrinology and Journal of Cell Biology. She has also published in hobbyist offerings such as The Hobstarand The Bagpiper. Marie is a certified master gardener and has a Ph.D. in anatomy from Temple University School of Medicine.
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Marie, Joanne. "Hybrid Poplars in Landscapes." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/hybrid-poplars-landscapes-48068.html. Accessed 19 July 2019.
Marie, Joanne. (n.d.). Hybrid Poplars in Landscapes. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/hybrid-poplars-landscapes-48068.html
Marie, Joanne. "Hybrid Poplars in Landscapes" accessed July 19, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/hybrid-poplars-landscapes-48068.html
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