Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (pop’-u-lus ni’-gra i-tal’i-ka)
Family: Salicaceae, Willow
Key Steps
- 1b – Alternate leaf arrangement — go to 18
- 18a – Leaf simple — go to 19
- 19b – Thornless — go to 22
- 22e – All leaves unlobed — go to 31
- 31a – Leaf is triangular or diamond/wedge-shaped — go to 32
- 32b – Petiole is flat — go to 34
- 34a – Form of tree is columnar — Lombardy Poplar
- 32b – Petiole is flat — go to 34
- 31a – Leaf is triangular or diamond/wedge-shaped — go to 32
- 22e – All leaves unlobed — go to 31
- 19b – Thornless — go to 22
- 18a – Leaf simple — go to 19
Description
Leaf: Triangular, often wider than long. Fine toothed. Flat petioles lack glands. Leaf margins are translucent.
Bud: Terminal bud not gummy. Lateral buds stick out. Reddish, elongated, curving outward. Lowermost bud scale is centered directly over the leaf scar of the lateral buds.
Stem: Round, smooth. Orange, changing to ash-gray the second year.
Bark: Thick, ridged and furrowed.
Flower: Usually only male catkins.
Fruit: None, usually no female plants.
Habit: Columnar. 10 feet wide up to 30-40 feet tall. Short trunk. Very fast growing and short-lived.
Culture: Prefers high moisture conditions.
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