The Life of a Poplar Tree

Types

• One of the more common poplar types in North America is the balsam poplar, which grows to nearly 100 feet tall. The aspen variety of poplar can reach anywhere from 50 to 70 feet tall, while cottonwoods top out at around 100 feet. White poplars, black poplars and Lombardy poplars are also easily recognized throughout the world. The Lombardy poplar reaches more than 100 feet tall and is distinctive from other poplars by its pointed column shape.

Appearance

• Poplars species differ in size and shape, but have several common characteristics. The trunks are generally straight and covered in smooth gray or silver bark. Branches curve up after emerging from the trunk. Leaves can be triangular, heart-shaped or round, and many varieties have jagged edges, or teeth. The aspen varieties of poplar are easily recognized by their fluttering leaves that shake in the slightest breeze, giving them the name "quaking aspen."

Life Cycle

• Poplars are sun-loving trees and thrive in temperate zones. Poplar trees are either male or female, and produce small buds that flower, dry and drop off. To propagate a Lombardy poplar, new shoots emerge from the roots and spread out from the center tree. Poplar trees can live from 50 years to more than 200 years, depending on the species. Common diseases include powdery mildew, shoot blight, nectria canker and septoria leaf spot. Pest that thrive on poplar trees include poplar sawflys, gypsy moths, forest tent caterpillars and poplar vagabond aphids.

Uses

• Poplars are used in making paper and pulpwood. The wood is flexible and spongy, and is best used for the production of matches, crates, wood veneer, plywood and cardboard. Lombardy poplars are often used as windbreaks in agricultural communities, such as in the rural areas in Lombardy, Italy, from where the variety of tree gets its name.