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Populus wilsonii

A fast-growing, deciduous tree to 25m. Its leaves have very long stems making them flutter in the wind; these emerge coppery in spring then become dark green before turning yellow in autumn.

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Salicaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Genus

Populus are deciduous trees, mostly very fast-growing and large, with male and female catkins on separate trees, opening before the leaves. Male catkins are the more ornamental, female ones can be a nuisance from the cottony, wind-blown seeds

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C & W China

How to grow

Cultivation

Cultivated for their very rapid growth as specimen trees and useful for windbreaks. Tolerant of any soil other than constantly waterlogged soils. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root systems may damage drains and foundations, particularly on clay soils. It has the potential to become a nuisance. For more advice see tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate from hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1 in late summer to avoid bleeding from pruning cuts but established trees need little pruning. Suckers can be removed in autumn or winter

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus

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