Populus acuminata (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Soil: Moist well drained soil
Flowering period: Spring
Eventual Height: 20m
Eventual Spread: 10m
Hardiness: 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Salicaceae
Populus x acuminata is a fast growing deciduous tree with a dense pyramidal habit. Its leaves are dark green on the upper surface and light gray on the lower, elliptic with an acute tip and mildly sinuate margins, up to 8cm long and 6cm broad. Its leaves turn yellow in autumn before they fall. It bark is grey/ brown and is scaly. Its flowers are dioecious and wind pollinated and appear in the form of catkins. Its fruit are green capsules. Its roots may produce suckers.
Populus x acuminata, commonly known as the Lanceleaf Cottonwool, is a naturally occurring hybrid native to the Rocky Mountain region of North America. In its native habitat it grows in riparian habitats and wetland fringes. Populus x acuminata is synonymous with Populus acuminata.
Populus acuminata Leaf (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Populus is derived from its ancient Latin name, arbor-populi meaning ‘tree of the people’. Acuminata is derived from the Latin acuminatus meaning ‘sharp’ or ‘pointed’.
The landscape architect may find Populus x acuminata useful as a tree to stabilise river banks. Care should be taken when locating this trees as its roots may damage buildings or drainage systems.
Ecologically, Populus x acuminata may attract bees for its sugary ‘resin’.
Populus acuminata Bark (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Populus x acuminata prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.
Populus x acuminata requires little maintenance.
