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Populus trichocarpa

Populus trichocarpa

Black cottonwood, western balsam-poplar, California poplar

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Description

Populus trichocarpa (Western balsam poplar, black cottonwood, California poplar) was discovered in the western part of North America in 1892. This is the fastest growing and largest balsam poplar, which in cultivation can reach heights of 30 metres, and in its natural habitat it can even reach heights of 60 metres. Its upright branches grow in wreaths and together, they form an irregular, wide oval to round open crown with a width of up to 15 metres. This western balsam poplar naturally grows on the banks of rivers and streams. It is a real pioneer species that colonises flooded surfaces.

The leaves of Populus trichocarpa are large, leather-like and dark green and have a ciliate edge. The undersides of the leaves are white, with a very defined orange grain. The budding leaves emit a strong balsam fragrance which can be smelled from 100 metres away. They turn a brilliant yellow in autumn. Male trees bloom red catkins and female trees bloom smaller, green catkins in March. The capsules of female trees disperse cotton-like seeds in May.

The western balsam poplar does not tolerate shade and solves this problem by growing so fast that other trees cannot cast a shadow. The species grows best in nutrient-rich, moist and airy types of soil. Winter floods are not a problem, but this cannot happen during the growth season. It does not tolerate wind well at all. Populus trichocarpa is sometimes planted in forests for its log production and as a curiosity in sheltered locations in parks.

Types of planting

Tree types

standard trees multi-stemmed trees woodland planting stock

Use

Location

park large garden countryside

Pavement

none none

Planting concepts

landscape planting

Characteristics

Crown shape

rounded rounded wide oval wide oval

Crown structure

semi-open semi-open

Height

25 - 30 m

Width

10 - 15 m

Winter hardiness zone

5A - 8B

Aspects

Wind

intolerant to wind

Soil

loess sabulous clay heavy clay light clay sand loamy soil

Nutrient level

rich in nutrients

Soil moisture level

moist wet

Light requirements

sun

pH range

acidic neutral

Extreme environments

tolerant to short-term flooding

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Order this plant? Or would you like further information about Populus trichocarpa? Make an appointment for a detailed planting recommendation.
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Photos

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high-stem standard tree
Populus trichocarpa standard tree
high-stem standard tree
Populus trichocarpa standard tree
high-stem standard tree
Populus trichocarpa standard tree
flowers flowers
Populus trichocarpa flowers
leaves leaves
Populus trichocarpa leaves
leaves leaves
Populus trichocarpa leaves
leaves leaves
Populus trichocarpa leaves
leaves leaves
Populus trichocarpa leaves
bark bark
Populus trichocarpa bark
bark bark
Populus trichocarpa bark
twigs twigs
Populus trichocarpa twigs

Flowers

Flowers

catkins discrete pendulous

Flower colour

red green

Flowering period

March

Leaves

Leaf colour

dark green buds bright green underside white-grey

Leaves

deciduous ovate deltoid big leathery scented serrate

Autumn colour

yellow

Fruits

Fruit colour

white

Fruits

striking rich fruit yield pappuses capsules

Bark

Bark colour

yellow-green grey-green

Bark

peeling smooth, later on rough

Twigs

Twig colour

grey-green

Twigs

bare with lenticels pendulous long shoots

Root system

Root system

shallow extensive highly branched root suckers roots push up surface

For and by green professionals

The TreeEbb is a platform for and by green professionals, in which we collect knowledge and experience from the sector and make this available for users. All the details and photos are free to use for non-commercial purposes. Want to share your tree knowledge? Send photographs and additional information to treeebb@ebben.nl

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Soil
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Extreme environments
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Plant characteristics
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Winter hardiness

A plant's winter hardiness is the coldest area in which it is frost-resistant. This is based on the average annual minimum temperature. Winter hardiness zones are thirteen different frost zones in steps of 5.5 degrees Celsius. This format is an international standard for the hardiness of plants. The zones in which the plant is frost-resistant are always included in the description of trees and other vegetation.

Winter hardiness is a genetic characteristic and is not influenced by the location in which the plant is cultivated. This means that a plant that has been cultivated for many years in winter-hardiness zone 6 but has a winter hardiness of 3 is perfectly suited for replanting in a colder zone. It will thrive there thanks to its genetic characteristics.

When choosing planting for a project, the winter hardiness of the plants is extremely important. By choosing species that match the zone in which the project is being created, it is possible to ensure that plants can withstand the minimum temperature in that area.

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