Populus nigra Italica (Lombardy Poplar)

Tall and statuesque, Populus nigra 'Italica' (Lombardy Poplar) is a large, vigorous, narrowly columnar deciduous tree with exceedingly upright-reaching branches. This male selection of the European native Populus nigra is believed to have originated in Italy in the late 1600s. Its foliage of bright green ovate leaves, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), turns brilliant yellow in fall. In early-mid spring, crimson male catkins appear before the leaves emerge. The gray-green bark on young trees becomes black, thickened, and furrowed on older, larger trunks. Best used for windbreaks, screens, or along country driveways.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 40-50 ft. tall (12-15 m) and 10-15 ft. wide (3-5 m). Fast-growing (3 ft. per year or 90 cm), this tree is short-lived (20 years) and suckers profusely.
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in rich, humusy, fertile, consistently moist but well-drained soils. Avoid planting near buildings due to the vigorous root system.
• This beautiful tree may be subject to willow leaf beetle, caterpillars, bacterial canker, a rust, honey fungus and silver leaf disease. While canker is a devastating issue, especially in hot and humid climates in the US, it does not seem to be the case in Europe where huge trees are fairly common in the countryside.
• Take hardwood cuttings in winter. Remove suckers in autumn or late winter.