Lombardy Poplar
Populus nigra 'Italica' · Deciduous Broadleaf
Plant Family
Salicaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Screening / Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Italica
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9
About This Tree
A tall, narrow, fastigiate tree with a tight, columnar form. Branches grow upward nearly parallel to the trunk. It has a fast growth rate and a relatively short lifespan.
Leaf Characteristics
Deltoid (triangular or diamond-shaped) leaves, 2-4 inches long, with finely serrated margins; bright green in summer, turning golden yellow in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Whitish-grey and smooth on young trees, becoming deeply furrowed, dark grey, and corky near the base as the tree ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Italy (Mediterranean region); introduced and widely adapted across North America and Europe
Growing Season
Buds open in early spring; leaves drop in late autumn after turning yellow; currently shown in a dormant or early budding state
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun; high water requirements but reasonably drought-tolerant once established; prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Mature Size
Mature height of 40-60 feet with a very narrow spread of 10-15 feet; fast growth rate (up to 6 feet per year).
Special Characteristics
Distinctive architectural vertical form; often used for windbreaks or privacy screens; unfortunately prone to Cytospora canker disease which limits its lifespan.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for birds due to dense upright branching; leaves serve as food for various moth larvae; minimal food value for large mammals.