Lanceleaf Poplar
Populus x acuminata
Lanceleaf Poplar (Populus x acuminata) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Too big for small yards; Plant male cultivar.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Populus x acuminata
- Variety / cultivar
- Lanceleaf
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Fall color
- Gold, yellow
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Weak WoodBrittle wood that heavy spring snow and wind like to snap, so prune for strong structure and keep it clear of roofs, wires, and drives.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- riparian
Common problems on the Front Range
- Cytospora canker
- Poplar and aspen borers
- Leaf spot and rust in wet springs
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Lanceleaf Poplar good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Lanceleaf Poplar is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Lanceleaf Poplar get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Lanceleaf Poplar need?
- Give Lanceleaf Poplar about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Lanceleaf Poplar grow into?
- Lanceleaf Poplar typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Lanceleaf Poplar hardy on the Front Range?
- Lanceleaf Poplar is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Lanceleaf Poplar need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Lanceleaf Poplar grow?
- Lanceleaf Poplar is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Lanceleaf Poplar live?
- Lanceleaf Poplar is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Lanceleaf Poplar turn in fall?
- Lanceleaf Poplar turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Lanceleaf Poplar native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Lanceleaf Poplar deer-resistant?
- Lanceleaf Poplar is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Lanceleaf Poplar prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Lanceleaf Poplar can be affected by cytospora canker and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.