Popular Poplar Tree Varieties for Landscapes

Overview

Fast-growing, broad-leaved deciduous trees with rounded or pyramidal forms—ideal where quick shade is needed.

Yellow Poplar (Tuliptree, Liriodendron tulipifera)

Fast-growing, 70–90 ft tall, 40 ft spread. Bright green tulip-shaped leaves turn golden in fall. Lives 300+ years on deep, rich, well-drained soils. Tolerates acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, clay soils. Some drought tolerance in humidity. Distinctive 3–6 inch lobed leaves. Greenish-yellow tulip-like flowers (1.5–2 in) with orange base, May–June. Colorful seeds through summer/autumn.

Hybrid Poplar

5–8 ft/year growth to 40–50 ft tall, 30 ft wide. Dense green foliage, attractive oval shape. Silvery-green triangular leaves 3–6 in long, 4–5 in wide, toothed margins, reddish stalks. Result of natural/man-made crosses. Tolerates poor soils (acidic, alkaline, wet). Good drought tolerance, adaptable, zones 3–9. Flowers at ~8 years, Feb–May. Seeds disperse Apr–Jun. Fruits: 1-celled capsules in pendulous clusters with silky hairs.

Lombardy Poplar (Black Poplar, Populus nigra)

6+ ft/year to 35 ft tall, 10 ft wide. Unusual upward-sloping branches form columnar/pyramidal outline. Not evergreen, no fall color. Full sun, adapts to any soil (prefers well-drained), zones 3–9. Dark green leaves, green-to-red spring flowers. Insignificant fruit. Normal to moist conditions, 6+ hours sun.