Populus nigra var. italica

Populus nigra italica detail (16/05/2011, Paris)

Position: Full sun

Soil: Moist well drained soil

Flowering period: Late winter to early spring

Eventual Height: 30m

Eventual Spread: 5m

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Salicaceae

Populus nigra var. italica is a deciduous tree with a tall, narrowly columnar habit. It has dark bark and its foliage is triangular to ovate, tapered, glossy and dark green. The leaves are bronze when young, turning yellow in autumn. The species is dioecious where the catkins are red on the male plants and green on the female. However, variety italica is a male clone with crimson catkins.

Populus nigra var. italica, commonly known as the true Lombardy Poplar, was selected in Lombardy, northern Italy, in the 17th century for its fastigiate habit.

The etymological root of the binomial name Populus is derived from its ancient Latin name, arbor-populi meaning ‘tree of the people’. Nigra is from the Latin meaning ‘black’. Italica is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Italy’.

Populus nigra italica (16/05/2011, Paris)

The landscape architect may find Populus nigra var. italica useful as a striking upright specimen tree. They also look impressive when planted in lines, where space permits, in parks or at the boundary to a site where they can perform the function of an effective wind break. Care should be taken when locating this tree, as they have been known to be blown over by high winds in exposed locations. The roots may also be damaging to buildings and destructive to drainage systems.

Populus nigra var. italica will adapt to most soil types but will prefer moist calcareous, nutrient rich soils with an alkaline pH.

Ecologically, Populus nigra var. italica will provide cover and nesting sites for songbirds especially the English Sparrow.

The Royal Horticultural Society have given Populus nigra var. italica their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Populus nigra var. italica requires little maintenance.