5 Common Poplar Trees In Utah (All You Need To Know)

Poplars are a captivating group of trees found in Utah’s breathtaking landscapes. With around 35 species and numerous hybrids in the genus, these trees span the Northern Hemisphere, even reaching the Arctic Circle. 

While the genus Poplus has about ten native species in North America, some non-natives have escaped cultivation. Poplar trees are shade-intolerant pioneers that quickly establish themselves after disturbances through seed dispersal or root sprouting. Typically found in moist areas near streams, particularly in the West, they can also be found at higher elevations, defying expectations. 

Let’s take a closer look at the most common poplar trees in Utah and learn about their unique characteristics, ecological roles, and stunning native native habitats.

1. Balsam Poplar

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

Balsom poplar trees are the most common poplar trees in Utah. This tree can reach a height of 50-70′ (15-21 m) with a single trunk and ascending branches that form a narrow open crown. 

The leaves of the Balsam Poplar are simple and triangular, with a glossy green upper surface and a silvery green underside with resinous, fragrant rust-colored dots.

The tree’s most distinguishing feature is the production of catkin-like fruit. It is 3-4′′ (7.5-10 cm) long and made up of countless tiny capsules, each containing seeds attached to cotton hair that can be carried by the wind. The fruit splits into two halves to release the seeds. 

This fast-growing tree is usually found in pure stands or combined with aspens in damp soils, river valleys, and other locations with adequate sunlight. It takes its scientific name, “balsamifera,” from its aromatic odor. 

In the spring, the tree’s leaf buds are covered in a sticky, fragrant resin. After that, the undersides of the leaves are covered in a rust-colored varnish. The tree is also known as the Balm-of-Gilead due to the medicinal properties of its resin. 

You may smell the Balsam Poplar just by going close to it. Small branches cut in the spring can be brought inside for a deliciously spicy smell. 

Because of its unusual cherries and aromatic foliage, this tree is extensively used for aesthetic purposes as well as lumber production. Overall, the Balsam Poplar is an unusual and useful tree that has been used by people for centuries.

2. Balm of Gilead

• Common Name: Balm of Gilead
• Scientific Name: Populus balsamifera
• Mature Height: 50 to 80 feet
• Native/Non-Native: Native
• Flowers/Cones: Small cotton-like fruit
• Uses: Pulp, boxes, packing cases, rough lumber

The Balm of Gilead, which is frequently confused with aspen due to its common genus, is actually a Poplar. It can reach astonishing heights of up to 80 feet and have a diameter of 3 feet or more. As it ascends, it’s narrow and straight peak progressively widens.

The Balm of Gilead has oval-shaped leaves with coarsely serrated edges and a dark green and glossy upper surface, while the undersides are pale with rusty overtones. The bark of the tree is brown-gray in hue, severely furrowed, and turns gray-black on old trunks.

Large, pointed, golden-yellow buds that resemble balsam and emit a potent, fragrant fragrance are what set the Balm of Gilead apart. These buds are thickly coated with a resin or pitch-like substance that looks like a glossy varnish.

In May or June, the Balm of Gilead produces tiny fruit resembling cotton that the wind can easily carry over great distances. This tree can be found in the state’s northern regions, where it grows along streams, on the edges of wetlands, and in other frigid habitats.

The wood of this tree is dense when green, but lightens when dried. Although it lacks outstanding strength, it has a smooth texture and a tight grain. When it comes into contact with soil, however, it quickly decomposes. This wood is commonly used for pulp manufacture, constructing boxes and shipping containers, and rough lumber.

3. 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

White poplar is a medium-sized tree that can grow to heights of 40 to 60 feet and has either a single trunk or several trunks. It has a broad crown that gives it a spherical form that appears rich and full.

It is one of the most commonly found poplar trees in Utah despite being a non-native variety introduced to the state from Europe. This tree is also known as Silver-leaf Poplar or European White Poplar.

The White Poplar is distinguished from other members of the Populus family by its lobed leaves, which resemble those of a maple tree. These leaves are typically 2 to 5 inches long and have pale green and chalky white surfaces. The undersides of the leaves are covered in silky white hairs, which gives the tree its common name and gives newly budded leaves a white look.

The bark of this tree is dark brown towards the base and yellowish-white on the upper half, which is characterized by black horizontal lines. During its bloom, the White Poplar produces catkins, which are clusters of small flowers. Its fruit resembles catkin-like capsules that open, sending a slew of little cottony seeds into the breeze.

The White Poplar has a wide range of soil preferences and thrives in a variety of them. It prefers full sun exposure and grows quickly. 

The White Poplar’s cherry-like fruits are one of its most fascinating traits. In late summer and early fall, these tiny, scarlet, and delicious fruits cluster along the tree branches, attracting a variety of birds and creatures. Although people don’t typically eat these cherries, they are a crucial source of nutrients for animals during the winter.

Because of its appealing look and simplicity of cultivation, nurseries provide a number of cultivars for this tree, making it a popular choice for planting in parks, yards, and along roadways.

4. 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 the polar trees in Utah, the Lombardy Poplar stands out as the tallest. It has single, upright trunks and a slender, columnar crown that can reach heights of 60 to 80 feet.

The leaves of the Lombardy Poplar have triangular forms and adhere to the branches in an alternating pattern. Their upper surfaces are usually dark green, while their lower sides are lighter. The tops of these leaves are pointy, and the edges are sharply serrated.

The bark of the Lombardy Poplar is gray, with deep furrows at the base and a smooth texture on the upper surface. Populus nigra receives its scientific name from the tree’s patchy and blackish appearance. This species produces fruit in the shape of 14-inch-long elongated capsules holding multiple seeds.

The fact that all of the cultivated trees are males is a fascinating characteristic of the Lombardy Poplar. As a result, they do not produce fruit or seeds, but they do produce beautiful cherries that attract birds. This tree has a relatively limited lifespan despite its rapid growth due to its susceptibility to several canker diseases.

The Lombardy Poplar is a non-native tree that was originally introduced from Italy. It grows well in a wide variety of soil and sunshine conditions. It is frequently seen on the streets of several cities throughout Italy. It is widely used as a windbreak or ornamental tree in yards and parks throughout North America.

5. Carolina Poplar

• Common Name: Carolina Poplar
• Scientific Name: Populus x canadensis
• Mature Height: 70-100 feet (21-30 meters)
• Native/Non-Native: Non-native, introduced hybrid
• Flowers/Cones: Catkins, composed of many tiny flowers
• Uses: Shade tree, windbreak, erosion control

Carolina Poplar, a non-native hybrid, has become a popular tree in a variety of landscapes across the United States including Utah. It is a huge deciduous tree that draws attention with a mature height of 70-100 feet. 

Because of its spreading crown, this hybrid, a mix between the Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and the Eurasian Black Poplar (Populus nigra), grows quickly and gives plenty of shade.

Large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges characterize the Carolina Poplar. These leaves are 3-6 inches long and vivid green, forming a thick canopy during the growing season. The tree’s smooth bark is often gray-green and patterned with small vertical grooves.

Carolina Poplar, like its relatives, produces catkins with numerous small flowers. Male catkins are long and pendulous, but female catkins are shorter and more upright. These catkins provide beauty to the tree in early spring, attracting bees and other insects.

Carolina Poplar is commonly planted in parks, along roadsides, and in residential areas due to its tolerance to urban conditions and aesthetic appeal. Because of its ability to flourish in a variety of climates and soil types, it has gained broad favor as a versatile and durable tree.

Carolina Poplar is well-known for its capacity to adapt to a variety of soil conditions and to endure heavy winds. Because of these characteristics, it is a popular choice for windbreaks and erosion control in agricultural and urban contexts. It’s fast growth and dense foliage make it an excellent shade tree.

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

This section addresses some of the questions and doubts raised by new gardeners in online forums and threads about common poplar trees in Utah.

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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 & Shrubs In Yard And  Garden, Utah State University Extension
2. Native & Non-Native Tree Identification, Utah State University Forestry Extension.
3. Native Plants, Utah Native Plant Society.
4. A Guide To The Trees Of Utah & Intermountain West, Book By Michael Kuhns, Utah State University Press.