What is special about poplar trees?
Poplars are fast-growing trees, making them a valuable species in forestry, especially since the species is very tolerant of humidity. What’s even more impressive is that poplars play an active role, similar to that of willows, in soil decontamination, as they dispel big quantities of water vapour. Most hybrid poplars are a landscaping nightmare when grown in yards and parks. The populus species are susceptible to fungal leaf spots that defoliate trees by late summer. The poplar tree is extremely susceptible to a devastating canker and dies an ugly death in just a few years.Black poplar is considered an invasive species outside its native regions of Asia and Europe2 given its long lifespan (up to 300 years), adaptability to different soil types and breeding compatibility with other Populus species.
What is the English name for a poplar tree?
Populus is a genus of 25–30 species of deciduous flowering plants in the family Salicaceae, native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. English names variously applied to different species include poplar (/ˈpɒplər/), aspen, and cottonwood. English names variously applied to different species include poplar (/ˈpɒplər/), aspen, and cottonwood.
What is the difference between aspen and poplar?
Poplars, including varieties like the Lombardy Poplar – Populus nigra ‘Italica’, are often tall and columnar, making them excellent for creating screens or windbreaks. Aspens, such as the native European Aspen – Populus tremula, tend to have a more rounded crown and are prized for their golden autumn colour. For one, these trees are fast-growing. They also often grow quite tall, with different species ranging between 50 and 160 feet in height. For another, Poplars are most often used to create plywood and wood pulp used in manufacturing and construction.Poplar and aspen are similar, but are not as hard, stiff or strong. Also, the tress are not as large and tend to be covered with knots, making the lumber less reliable.