Tower Poplar
Populus x canescens 'Tower'
Tower Poplar (Populus x canescens 'Tower') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40 to 50 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun. Tower poplar is prone to many diseases and insects and short-lived, better alternatives exist for narrow upright form (e.g. Quercus robur 'Fastigiata').
medium to high water40 to 50 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: "Populus x canescens JPG1Aa" by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT is licensed under CC BY 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
- Photo 2: "File:Naturdenkmal444 2014-03-29 (104) Wien15 Auer-Welsbachpark Populus x canescens GuentherZ.JPG" by GuentherZ is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/at/deed.en.
- Photo 3: (c) Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo
- Photo 5: "Populus x canescens (14009152325)" by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "Populus x canescens" by dhobern is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40 to 50 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~12 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Gold, yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Cytospora canker and Poplar and aspen borers, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
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 Tower Poplar good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Tower Poplar is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Tower Poplar not recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Main pressure here is Cytospora canker and Poplar and aspen borers, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
- How big does Tower Poplar get?
- It matures to about 40 to 50 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide.
- How much room does Tower Poplar need?
- Give Tower Poplar about 12 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Tower Poplar grow into?
- Tower 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 Tower Poplar hardy on the Front Range?
- Tower Poplar is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Tower Poplar need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does Tower Poplar grow?
- Tower Poplar is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Tower Poplar live?
- Tower 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 Tower Poplar turn in fall?
- Tower Poplar turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Tower Poplar native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Tower Poplar prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Tower 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.
Find Tower Poplar near you
What to plant instead
See also
Related trees
Narrowleaf Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus angustifolia
Eastern Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus deltoides
Plains 'Jeronimus' Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera
Upright European Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremula 'Erecta'
Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremuloides
PRAIRIE GOLD® Poplar (cottonwood)
Populus tremuloides