Poplar Tree Species Found in South Carolina

Overview

South Carolina hosts several poplars: tulip, white, Lombardy, and eastern poplar—each with distinct landscape value.

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

~100 ft tall, ~50 ft wide. Scented tulip-like spring flowers. 4–8 inch four-lobed leaves, green → bright yellow fall. Oval crown, coarse texture. Straight trunk, dark furrowed bark, massive with age.

White Poplar (Populus alba)

100 ft tall, 60 ft spread. Maple-like 5-lobed leaves, dark green → yellow. Oval, irregular, coarse. Fast, high drought tolerance, adaptable to many soils/climates. Not native to North America.

Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra)

Striking vertical column to 60 ft, only 10–12 ft wide. Branches from base to tip, upward-growing, elongated pyramid. Oval serrated leaves, green → bright yellow. Very fast, popular for rows and screens.

Eastern Poplar / Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

Native. 100 ft, massive trunk to 4 ft diameter. Triangular 3–5 inch leaves, dark green above, lighter/fuzzy below, serrated. Yellow fall. Young bark greenish-gray smooth; old bark light gray, deeply furrowed. Fast, used for shade/recreation. Short-lived (<80 years).