Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’ (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Late winter to early spring
Soil: Moist well drained soil
Eventual Height: 40m
Eventual Spread: 12m
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Salicaceae
Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’ is a vigorous deciduous tree with an upright, conical habit. Its mid green glossy leaves are triangular to ovate with mildly sinuate margins, up to 8cm long and 6cm broad. Its leaves turn yellow/ green in autumn before they fall. It bark is grey/ light brown and fissured. The flowers of this variety are only male and appear as catkins.
Populus x canadensis, commonly known as the Canadian Poplar or Hybrid Black Poplar, is a naturally occurring hybrid between Populus nigra and Populus deltoidea.
Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’ 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’. Canadensis is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Canada’.
The landscape architect may find Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’ useful as an avenue tree due to its regular habit. It may also be specified as a shelterbelt tree due to its fast growing habit and tolerance of strong winds. This tree is tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Care should be taken when locating this trees as its roots may damage buildings or be destructive to drainage systems.
Ecologically, Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’ is of little value to UK wildlife.
Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’ Bark (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.
Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’ requires little maintenance.
