Poplars characterize our local landscape with their gracefully swinging crowns. The likeable deciduous trees have many aesthetic and practical things in store for us. Here we dedicate a small profile to the poplar.
Poplars grow very quickly
growth and appearance
Poplars generally show a large-crowned, elongated tree habit with a light, elastically swinging crown. They are among the fastest growing trees in our latitudes. Depending on the species, they can shoot up to a meter in height per year! Depending on the species, they reach a total height of between 15 and 45 meters.
Its wood is porous and contains a lot of cellulose, which, apart from the filigree leaves, contributes to the dynamic appearance.
The roots of poplars, like the above-ground part of the tree, are very vigorous and form strong root suckers. Poplars effectively reproduce vegetatively via the resulting rashes.
leaves, flowers and fruits
In early spring, around March, poplars first develop their flowers in the form of catkins. They initially remain alone in the bare branches. The foliage unfolds later in April. At the end of May, the catkins will bear fruit.
Generative propagation
Poplars are dioecious, so the tree individuals have separate sexes. Poplars with male catkins allow the wind to carry their pollen dust to poplars with female flowers (anemophilia). If these are fertilized, they produce numerous capsule fruits with seeds. The seeds, which are equipped with a tuft of tufts to help them fly, are also carried by the wind for reproduction after the capsule has opened. (anemochory)
How poplars are used
We humans have harnessed the characteristics of poplars in many ways. Of particular interest are:
- Their rapid and high growth
- Your special wood
- Their downy seeds
Rapid height growth for avenues and co.
Due to the rapid growth in height, poplars are very popular as avenue trees. Even in a private setting, the trees can close a property line against wind and sun without much patience.
Flexible, resilient wood
The wood is used economically for the production of pellets, packaging material and paper. It is also suitable for the manufacture of instruments because of its flexibility and simultaneous resilience.
The poplar wool
The fine cellulose hairs of the poplar seeds, also known as poplar wool, were also used in the past for the production of fine paper.