Populus × canadensis 'Gaver'

RHS Plant Profile
Canadian poplar 'Gaver'
Trees

A fast-growing deciduous tree, to around 15m high in 10 years, and up to 30m high at maturity. Leaves are slightly smaller than other cultivars, and are broadly triangular, tapered and glossy green, with bluntly toothed edges. Slender catkins are produced in spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Cultivated for their very rapid growth as specimen trees. Useful as 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; has the potential to become a nuisance

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter and suckers in autumn or late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural

Pruning

Pruning group 1, in late summer to avoid infection from bacterial canker and bleeding from pruning cuts. Remove suckers in autumn or winter

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars

Diseases

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