Appearance

• With some variation between species, the leaves of poplar trees are somewhat heart-shaped in form. Most poplar species grow to between 70 and 90 feet tall at maturity.
  
  

Growth Habits

• Poplars grow relatively quickly. Some species, such as the Lombardy poplar, are slender and upright in form, while others, such as the Eastern and Southern poplars, can grow to massive size with trunks to 4 feet in diameter.
  
  

Reproduction

• The flowers of aspen trees are inconspicuous and form in long, slender catkins that hang down from the branches of the trees. The fruit of aspens is a capsule with seeds inside that have hairs on them so the seeds can be disbursed by the wind.
  
  

Uses

• Poplars are frequently used as a shade and ornamental tree in landscaping. The wood of most poplars is soft and not very durable. Poplar wood can be used to make boxes, crates, lath and wooden ware. The wood is often used to make high-grade paper.
  
  

Hybrids

• Many hybrids of poplar species, both naturally occurring and man-made, are commonly found throughout North America. These include the Jackii poplars, Euramerican poplars, Bernard poplars, parry and lanceleaf cottonwoods and the Berlin or Russian poplars.
  
  

Tulip Poplar

• The tulip or yellow poplar, named for the unique form of its flowers, which are reminiscent of tulips, is not a true poplar. It is actually a member of the magnolia family.