Poplar Tree (Populus)

Populus is a genus of trees in the willow family, Salicaceae, commonly called poplars, cottonwoods, and aspens. Natural variation and hybridization create substantial differences in the size, form, and site preferences of individual species. USDA Forest Service describes poplars as a diverse group that includes species adapted to riparian corridors and early-successional sites. Many colonize quickly where light, exposed mineral soil, and moisture are available, but that pattern should not be applied to every species. Populus species are native across much of the Northern Hemisphere, and the genus includes both naturally occurring and cultivated hybrids. See [USDA ARS GRIN](https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomygenus?id=9759), [USDA Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/nsl/Wpsm/Populus.pdf), and [NC State Trees of North Carolina](https://herbarium.ncsu.edu/tnc/populus.htm). ## Landscape Role Poplars, cottonwoods, and aspens are used for shade, riparian restoration, windbreaks, and timber, depending on the species. Mature dimensions and environmental tolerances vary widely across the genus. ## Maintenance Select a species or hybrid suited to the site before planting. Follow its specific requirements for light, water, soil, space, and root management; genus-level guidance cannot substitute for those details.