Populus is a genus of 25–30 species of deciduous flowering plants in the family Salicaceae, native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. English names variously applied to different species include poplar (/ ˈpɒplər / ⓘ), aspen, and cottonwood.
Learn about 12 types of poplar trees and their unique features, such as leaf shapes and bark textures, ideal for identification and selection in landscaping.
Poplar, genus of some 35 species of trees in the willow family (Salicaceae), native to the Northern Hemisphere. The poplar species native to North America are divided into three loose groups: the cottonwoods, the aspens, and the balsam poplars.
Poplar (Populus) trees are large deciduous trees with rounded to triangular leaves, attractive grayish bark, and small clusters of drooping flowers. Many poplar trees are identified by their bark’s color—white, gray, or black—and triangular, ovate leaves.
Poplar trees are a diverse group of fast-growing deciduous trees found across various regions of the world. Known for their tall, slender trunks and fluttering leaves, poplars belong to the genus Populus and come in several varieties, each with unique characteristics.
Though the wood is commonly referred to simply as “ Poplar,” it is technically not in the Populus genus itself, (the genus also includes many species of Cottonwood and Aspen), but is instead in the Liriodendron genus, which is Latin for “lily tree.”
Poplar trees are native to the Northern Hemisphere, distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They thrive in temperate and cool regions, adapting to various climates. Their natural habitat includes areas with abundant moisture.
Poplar Trees, often used as a sighted landscaping tree, are unique and often grow tall. Read our comprehensive on Poplar Trees to determine which variety is best for your home or garden.