This columnar or ‘fastigiate’ variety of Black Poplar was reputedly first planted in Britain at Blenheim Palace in 1758, and introduced to Ireland soon after. Its slender columnar shape makes it one of the easiest trees to identify in the countryside. It is named after the Italian region between the Alps and the River Po, where it was first found.
Originating in Italy, probably in the eighteenth century, now very widely planted across Europe and beyond.
Dioecious. A naturally occurring variety of Black Poplar. True variety (not hybrids, see below) trees are always male, producing green-red catkins in spring (no seed fluff).
Unmistakably tall (30m) and fastigiate, with near-vertical branches parallel to the trunk, commonly planted for windbreaks and roadsides in linear rows. Mature trunks buttressed; bark grey-brown, deeply furrowed and burred with age. Twigs glabrous, olive-green; buds alternate and pointed. Leaves triangular, serrate-crenate, often densely clustered. Identification is complicated by hybrids, such as ‘Plantierensis’ (broader crown, pubescent shoots) and the female ‘Italica Foemina’ (divided trunk, open crown).
Vigorous but short-lived (around 50 years). Thrives in rich, moist soils and warm conditions, and is very tolerant of urban pollution. In old age it sheds stems and branches and is prone to windblow. Its vigorous roots mean it is best planted away from buildings. ‘Plantierensis’ and other hybrids suit Britain and Ireland’s cooler climate better than true Lombardy, with fuller canopies and better disease resistance, and are now commoner.
No notable associations where introduced.
The true variety is vulnerable to marssonina leaf blotch, causing premature leaf-drop and partial crown death. Threats to all varieties and hybrids include cytospora canker (fungal), poplar scab, various bacterial cankers, leaf spots, and rusts.
An impressive ornamental tree to grace large gardens and parks, and especially impactful in the landscape when used to create avenues along walkways and roads.
