Populus canadensis Robusta - Canadian Poplar

Populus × canadensis 'Robusta', also known as Populus x euramericana 'Robusta', is a variety of Canadian poplar that stands out for its remarkably vertical trunk that extends to the crown, which is conical and closed in shape. The deciduous foliage of this tree, which rustles pleasantly in the wind, turns a beautiful reddish-brown colour when it buds, and then yellow-grey in autumn. 'Robusta' is a male cultivar that grows quickly and is easy to cultivate. It is hardy, and adapts to any slightly acidic to calcareous fresh soil, including poor and light soil. Superb in alignment, it is perfect by watercourses.

The Canadian poplar belongs to the Salicaceae family. Native to North America, it is a spontaneous hybrid between Populus deltoides and Populus nigra. 'Robusta' is a cultivar that can reach a height of 30 m (98.4 ft) and 15 m to 16 m (49.2 ft to 52.5 ft) in width, with very rapid growth. This poplar develops a very straight trunk with upright lateral branches, forming an angle of 45°, regularly implanted at the same level on the trunk, in a ring. They make up an elongated crown, shaped like a tapered cone. The young branches are brown-green and finely hairy, then they turn reddish-brown. The grey-brown trunk bark is smooth, but it cracks and becomes wrinkled over time. In early spring, reddish-coloured young leaves appear, which unfold into triangular, leathery leaves, 10 cm to 12 cm (3.9 in to 4.7 in) long, with toothed edges. The leaves are dark green and shiny on the upper side, turning more or less yellow-grey in October. They fall quite early in the season. This 'Robusta' cultivar is a male plant that blooms in April. Its inflorescences are greenish-yellow catkins, 7 cm to 9 cm (2.8 in to 3.5 in) long. The root system is shallow, vigorous, horizontally spreading, very extensive, and sensitive to soil compaction on the surface. This cultivar is known for its good tolerance to poor soils, as long as they remain moist.

'Robusta' should be reserved for very large gardens or for landscaping parks due to its vulnerability to wind and the significant development of its root system. For these reasons, it should be planted far from buildings (at least 30 m (98.4 ft)). It would be perfect, for example, near watercourses or natural pools and large ponds. It could be associated with alder, willow, and ash, which also appreciate the proximity of water.