Lombardy Poplar
Populus nigra 'Italica' · Deciduous hardwood
Plant Family
Salicaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Shade / Landscape Tree
Variety / Cultivar
'Italica' (Lombardy Poplar)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
Distinctly tall, narrow, and columnar with upright branches tightly hugging the main trunk, creating a formal, spire-like silhouette
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, triangular to diamond-shaped leaves with finely toothed margins, dark green on top and paler underneath
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, olive-green to gray bark when young, becoming deeply furrowed, dark gray, and ridged with age
Growing Information
Origin Region
Originated in northern Italy (Piedmont region) in the 17th or 18th century
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out with catkin flowering, bright green summer foliage, turning yellowish in autumn before dropping leaves for winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun and moist, well-draining soils; high water requirements and moderate drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Reaches heights of 40 to 90 feet with a narrow spread of 10 to 15 feet; fast growth rate with a relatively short lifespan of 50 to 60 years
Special Characteristics
Extremely fast growing, excellent for windbreaks or formal architectural accents, but susceptible to various cankers and root issues
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting cover for birds and serves as a host plant for certain caterpillar species, though its ecological value is somewhat limited compared to native trees