It is true, there are not many things that are as majestic as the color of a clonal stand of Quaking Aspen, blazing gold in their autumn glory. Likewise, the sight of a lone Japanese poplar, giving admirers of a field of wildflowers a shady respite in the afternoon sun. Of course, there are the streets, paths, and allées lined with poplars that create stately shade tree festooned walks and thoroughfares that pepper the globe. All of these niches are filled wonderfully by trees in the genus Populus, but it doesn’t mean they are right for most typical garden landscapes. Their size, rooting system, and sometimes invasive habits mean you should think carefully before planting—even if you have an expansive space for them. Learn more about ten of the most popular poplar trees growing in North America below. While it is a large tree with a large root system, it does not produce suckers and is relatively tidy. It still has the same issues with pathogens and pests as other trees in the species, but the tradeoff with maintenance provides upside that cannot be overlooked. It works well as a shade tree, windbreak, screen, or to line a drive.

USDA Growing Zones: 4-8Bloom Color: InsignificantSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Prefers moist soil, adaptable consistency, demands good drainage.

These days it is seldomly used in landscapes because of its fast spread and growth rates, large size (60 - 80 feet), and diseases that annihilate plants in Salicaceae or Willow Family of which the Genus Populus is a part, including the balm of Gilead.

USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 6Bloom Color: Downy Catkins in Males, Yellow in Females.Sun Exposure: Sun to part shade.Soil Needs: Best in fertile, moist soil.

The quaking aspen, while beautiful, has become invasive in most areas it inhabits. Though normally a large tree, 60-85 feet tall, it will grow as a smaller shrub-like species in marginal habitat zones that cannot support its full-size growth.  

USDA Growing Zones: 1 to 6Bloom Color: InsignificantSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, humusy, consistently moist, well-drained soils

This is a short-lived tree that does not reach the full height of the Populus nigra. Instead, it reaches 40-50 feet in height and has a maximum spread of only 15 feet.  Much like any tree in the genus, it is advised that if the species is planted only male plants are selected. Female plants shed their cottony seeds and can be considered messy.

USDA Growing Zones:  2 to 10Bloom Color: Deep red male catkins, dioecious.Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs:  Rich, humusy, fertile, consistently moist but well-drained

Though popular, the white poplar is now considered invasive in many places throughout the United States, where it has been introduced in 43 states. The tree is often looked at as a nuisance as it spreads easily and hybridizes with Populus tremulus resulting in the extremely vigorous, Populus × canescens.

USDA Growing Zones: 2-9Bloom Color: Insignificant, nuisanceSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs:  Average, medium to wet, well-drained soils

While it does make a fantastic home for wildlife and is sometimes used as an ornamental tree in the western United States, its aggressive roots system can cause severe damage to foundations, sewage pipes, and septic systems. This trait, however, does make the species an attractive prospect for bank stabilization, and erosion mediation. Before planting this tree looking into any local ordinances on invasiveness is important.

USDA Growing Zones: 3-9Bloom Color:  YellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs:  Average, well-drained, sandy, loamy

This species is used as a shade tree when planted ornamentally as it grows fast and large (often up to 100ft). It will sucker and has a vast root system, so while it can make a stately row of trees it isn’t a good choice for near buildings or in a smaller garden setting.

USDA Growing Zones: 5-8Bloom Color: InsignificantSun Exposure: Full SunSoil Needs: Average, well-drained.

First described by the famed colonial botanist William Bartram, the seeds of the Eastern Cottonwood are light and feathery and spread easily on the wind making a mess as they scatter. The notoriously weak wood of the tree also has the habit of breaking due to wind and ice damage. You should avoid planting cottonwood near any important structure. The tree can grow to over 140 ft. tall, and easily reach 80 ft. in just 40 years.

USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 9Bloom Color: InsignificantSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, medium to wet, well-drained soils

The tree’s relative resistance to canker and leaf spot makes it a good selection compared to other columnar shaped poplars. There are numerous cultivars available in the nursery trade to select from. The tree is large and fast-growing and does need a considerable space investment. Mature trees can reach heights of 130 feet.

USDA Growing Zones: 4-9Bloom Color: YellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs:  Well-drained soil

The once iconic tree is being threatened due to drought, livestock grazing, and timber harvesting. There are numerous programs in effect to help repopulate the species, which is invaluable in helping deter erosion, abate flooding, and to keep ecologically diverse.

USDA Growing Zones: 3-9Bloom Color: Insignificant, nuisanceSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Prefers moist soil, tolerates flooding.