Populus robusta - Hybrid Poplar

A hybrid poplar discovered in France in 1895, ‘Robusta’ is a male clone commonly planted in Britain to provide shelter for buildings and farm land. It is a handsome, fast-growing, leafy tree, with bronzy leaves in spring and an attractive narrowly conical shape. Its catkins in spring are very conspicuous too, a good bright red which adds to this trees beauty.

Site and soil

Tolerant of moist soils except consistently waterlogged sites. Good in exposed and coastal situations.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 14m x 5m
After 20 years: 25m x 10m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are a glossy bronze, maturing to bright green before turning yellow at leaf fall. They are triangular to ovate in shape. The bark is grey.

Flower, seed and fruit

'Robusta' is a male clone, so bears only male flowers and doesn’t produce seed. The catkins are bright red, to 6cm long, opening in March.

Uses

Screening, shelter belts, plantations, avenues, coppicing.

'Robusta' is grown for its timber which is very strong and is used to make boxes and crates. Because it is so fast-growing (1.8m per year) it is one of the species commonly coppiced for biofuel.

Wildlife

'Robusta' supports a range of insects including butterflies and moths.