3 Common Poplar Trees In Ohio (Pictures & Identification)

The diverse ecosystem of Ohio is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some of the most beautiful poplar trees. 

With their distinct qualities and characteristics, these trees have piqued the interest of both nature enthusiasts and botanists. Poplar trees are found throughout the state and play an important role in preserving Ohio’s environmental balance.

This article will look at the most common and native poplar trees in Ohio, as well as their distinguishing characteristics, physical appearance, native habitats, and range.

So, let’s begin.

1. Balsam Poplar

• Common Name: Balsam Poplar
• Scientific Name: Populus balsamifera
• Mature Height: 50–70′ (15–21 m)
• Native/Non-Native: Native
• Flowers/Cones: Catkin-like fruit
• Uses: Timber, ornamental, medicinal

The Balsam Poplar is the only native variety on this list of poplar trees in Ohio. With a single trunk and rising branches that form a narrow open crown, this tree can reach a height of 50-70′ (15-21 m). Balsam Poplar leaves are simple and triangular, with a glossy green upper surface and a silvery green underside with resinous, fragrant rust-colored spots.

The cherries are one of the most distinctive characteristics of the Balsam Poplar. 

The tree has catkin-like fruit that is 3-4″ (7.5-10 cm) long and made up of numerous tiny capsules, each with seeds attached to cotton hair that can be transported by the wind. To release these seeds, the fruit splits up into two pieces. 

In wet soils, river valleys, and other areas with appropriate sunlight, this fast-growing tree is commonly seen in pure stands or mixed with aspens. It gets its species name, “balsamifera,” from its aromatic smell. 

The tree’s leaf buds are covered with a sticky, fragrant resin in the spring. The undersides of the leaves are afterward coated in a rust-colored varnish. Because of the medicinal virtues of its resin, the tree is also known as the Balm-of-Gilead. 

Simply walking close to the Balsam Poplar will allow you to smell it. Small branches clipped in the spring can be brought indoors for a delightfully spicy scent. 

This tree is frequently employed for decorative purposes as well as lumber production due to its distinctive cherries and aromatic foliage. Overall, the Balsam Poplar is an intriguing and valuable tree that humans have used for ages.

2. White Poplar

• Common Name: White Poplar
• Scientific Name: Populus alba
• Mature Height: 40-60 feet (12-18 meters)
• Native/Non-Native: Non-native, introduced from Europe to the U.S.
• Flowers/Cones: Catkins, composed of many tiny flowers
• Uses: Planted in parks, yards, and along roads

Despite being a non-native variant, White Poplar is one of the most commonly found poplar trees in Ohio. It is a medium-sized tree that can reach heights of 40-60 feet. It has single or several trunks and a widely spreading crown, giving it a full, spherical appearance. 

The White Poplar’s lobed, maple-shaped leaves distinguish it from other members of the Populus family. The leaves are typically 2-5 inches long, with upper and below surfaces that are pale green and chalky white. The undersides of the leaves are covered with white, silky hairs, which gives the tree its popular name and gives the newly budded leaves a white appearance.

The White Poplar, also known as Silver-leaf Poplar or European White Poplar, was imported to North America during colonial times from Europe. 

The bark is dark brown towards the base and yellowish-white on top, with black horizontal lines. The tree blooms in the shape of catkins, which are made up of many little flowers. The fruit is a catkin-like capsule that opens to release many small cottony seeds into the breeze. 

The cherries are one of the most intriguing characteristics of the White Poplar. The cherries-like fruits are tiny, red, and tasty. 

In late summer and early fall, they form clusters along tree branches, attracting birds and other creatures. Although most people do not eat cherries, they are an important source of nutrients for animals during the winter.

White Poplar thrives in a wide range of soil types and prefers full sun. It is a fast-growing tree with various cultivars available in nurseries. Because of its appealing appearance and ease of growth, this tree is frequently planted in parks, yards, and along roadways.

3. Lombardy Poplar

• Common Name: Lombardy Poplar
• Scientific Name: Populus nigra
• Mature Height: 60-80 feet
• Native/Non-Native: Non-native, introduced from Italy
• Flowers/Cones: Capsule fruit, ¼” (.6 cm) long, containing many seeds
• Uses: Planted as windbreaks and as an ornamental in yards and parks

Among all the polar trees in Ohio, Lombardy Poplars are the tallest variety with single straight stems and a narrow columnar crown that can reach heights of 60-80 feet. 

The leaves are triangular and alternately connected to the branches. They are typically dark green on top and paler on the bottom, with a pointed tip and fine-toothed edge. 

The bark of the Lombardy Poplar is gray, with deep furrows at the base and a smooth upper surface. Populus nigra derives its scientific name from its patchy and black appearance. This tree’s fruit is a 14-inch-long capsule containing several seeds. 

The Lombardy Poplar is a non-native tree imported from Italy. It thrives in a wide range of soil and sunlight conditions. It’s common to see it lining the streets of many Italian cities. It is widely planted as a windbreak or as an ornamental in yards and parks in North America. 

One fascinating aspect of the Lombardy Poplar is that all of the trees planted are males! This means they don’t produce fruit or seeds, but they do have lovely cherries that birds like eating. This tree grows swiftly, but it has a short lifespan due to its sensitivity to several canker diseases. 

Common Poplar Trees In Ohio – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s go through some of the most frequently asked questions about common poplar trees in Ohio. These questions are taken from forums and threads related to gardening.

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Sources

The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.

1. Trees Of Ohio, Division Of Wildlife
2. Trees Of Ohio Field Guide, ​​Book by Stan Tekiela
3. Ohio Trees, OSU Extension Publications
4. Native Plant Lists, Ohio Department Of Natural Resources
5. Ohio Department Of Agriculture
6. Gardening, The Ohio State University