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Plant Species of the genus Populus
Information about this genus
Name: Populus
Cultivation: CULTIVATION: Poplars prefer a position in full sun in deep, moist, well-drained soil. Like many quick-growing plants they are short lived, only seldom exceeding 60 years before becoming hollow or rotten. They have vigorous invasive root systems and can sucker very heavily, which rules them out for small gardens and often makes them a problem near drains and paving. Prune to shape if necessary and propagate from winter hardwood cuttings.
Description: Important for both for their beauty and their utility, the 35 or so species of poplars or aspens in this genus are deciduous trees that range over much of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Quick growing, some are used as nurse trees for less easily established species or as shelter belts. Others with brilliant autumn foliage are beautiful trees in their own right. A few species are also harvested for their soft white timber, which is most often used for boxes. While many poplars have deltoid-shaped leaves, that is, equilateral triangles attached at the base (?poplar-leafed? is often used to describe this shape), the genus encompasses a wide range of foliage shapes, sizes and textures. The flowers are tiny and held on pendulous catkins that appear before the foliage. The small capsules which follow are often filled with cotton-like down. There are separate male and female catkins, usually on separate trees.
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