Tower
Populus x canescens 'Tower'
Tower (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 40–50 ft tall and 8–12 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 water40–50 ft tall and 8–12 ft wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Not Recommended
- Botanical name
- Populus x canescens 'Tower'
- Variety / cultivar
- Tower
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 40–50 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~12 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Fall color
- Gold, yellow
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- 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: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Cytospora canker and Poplar and aspen borers, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
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 good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Tower is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Tower 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 get?
- It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide.
- How much room does Tower need?
- Give Tower about 12 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Tower grow into?
- Tower 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 hardy on the Front Range?
- Tower is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Tower need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does Tower grow?
- Tower is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Tower live?
- Tower 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 turn in fall?
- Tower turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Tower native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Tower deer-resistant?
- Tower is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Tower prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Tower 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.
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See also
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Poplar (cottonwood), Narrowleaf
Populus angustifolia
Poplar (cottonwood), Eastern
Populus deltoides
Poplar (cottonwood), Plains 'Jeronimus'
Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera
Poplar (cottonwood), Upright European, Aspen
Populus tremula 'Erecta'
Poplar (cottonwood), Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides
Poplar (cottonwood), PRAIRIE GOLD®
Populus tremuloides