Populus nigra Italica / Populus nigra Pyramidalis - Lombardi Poplar
The Lombardy poplar (spelt Lombardi in Europe) is one of the most recognizable trees in the country, thanks to its totally upright (fastigiate, to use the botanical term) growth. Populus nigra Italica was introduced to Britain in the 1750's and can now be found in every corner of the land, such is its popularity. Their extemely tall, slender form became a real fashion statement and a drive way lined with poplars in summer not only gives a grand air to a property, it also requires no pruning to keep it looking superbly neat and tidy. Their bark is rough and becomes ridged at a young age, while their leaves are a squashed teardrop shape. They bear quite long, copper-orange catkins in spring that spread their pollen in the wind, putting on a little show just before the leaves appear. Unfortunately, the pollen is unlikely to reach its goal; all Lombardy poplar trees sold to the public are male, cloned from one original parent (the female of the species is not as fastigiate as the male). This tree used to be known as Populus nigra Pyramidalis, though it is hard to think of a tree that is less pyramid shaped!
Lombardy Poplar | Planting, Pruning and Caring for Your Plants:
Growing Populus nigra Italica is easy, it's getting it to stop that can be tricky! As long as your soil isn't chalky, Lombardy poplar is sure to love it. It can even handle having its roots in quite boggy ground, as long as it you plant it into a raised mound that keeps the base of the trunk away from the worst of the damp. Their roots are invasive enough for us to recommend that you plant them away from your house or drains. The joy of poplar is that there is no need to prune them - they will grow tall and straight without any help at all. The tallest poplars can reach 40-45 metres, 130 - 150 feet, though 30 metres, 100 feet, is probably about average. Despite their stature, Lombardy poplars should not develop a crown wider than a mere 5 metres, 15 feet across.
If you are unclear about the way standard trees are sized, take a look at our Guide to Standard Tree Sizing or you can go back to our main standard trees page.
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