Lombardy Poplar

Populus Nigra var. Italica

        

          

All photographs are copyrighted and are the property of E. Brunner.

Family:  Salicaceae

Native or Introduced to Illinois:  introduced

Leaf:  The ovate leaves are alternate and simple.  The margin is serrate and the venation is palmate.  

Flower:  The inflorescence is a catkin with incomplete flower structure (no petals or sepals).  Note:  The species is only known as a staminate species and is propagated by cuttings.

Fruit:  no

Twig/Bark:  Bark is easily damaged from impact; grow mostly upright and will not drop; not practically showy; should be grown as a single leader; no thorns

Size/Form/Shape:   This tree has a column shape and branches that are strongly ascending and brittle.  May reach 40 m or 130 ft. high.

Other:  Species is known only as a staminate tree; propagated by cuttings.

Species is recommended for short-term wind breaks only.

County Distribution Map for Illinois:  

Sources for the Sullivan Middle School Tree Identification Guide were obtained though the use of the following sites:

• Illinois Plant Information Network (ILPIN) @ http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/delaware/ilpin/ilpin.html#Background
• List of Woody Plants Native or Naturalized in Illinois @ http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~kenr/woody.html
• Tree Species @ http://ostermiller.org/tree/species.html
• Index to Eastern/Central Trees @ http://www.arborday.org/trees/ECtreelist.html
• ISU Forestry Extension Identification of Common Trees of Iowa @ http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Pages/tree/
• Key to Leaves of Virginia Trees @ http://www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/forsite/key/intro.htm
• List of Native Trees for Use Along Roadsides in Illinois @ http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~kenr/treetable.html
• The PLANTS Database @ http://plants.usda.gov/

The information below is from the National Arbor Day Foundation.  This information can be viewed in the original (source) form by visiting The National Arbor Day Foundation at http://www.arborday.org.

GROWING REQUIREMENTS/RATE
Sun Exposure:  
Soil Type:  
Moisture:  
Growth Rate:  

Hardiness Zones:4 - 9
The Black Walnut can be expected to grow in the temperature extremes of the zones shown in color in this arborday.org hardiness zone map.