OP-367 Hybrid Poplar
Populus deltoides × Populus nigra 'OP-367'
(Populus x canadensis 'OP-367')
This cultivar of a hybrid Poplar is very likely the fastest growing tree on Earth. While other Hybrid Poplars grow at 4'-6' per year, this cultivar in the right spot can grow more than 6' per year. The tree can grow to be over 50' tall within 10 years. They are capable of reaching over 75' tall in less than 20 years. This tree is rarely ever commercially available due to the fact nurseries can't compete with virtually every other tree that takes years to get to a substantial size, and the fact every branch of Hybrid Poplar can easily be propagated into new trees. However most urban homes don't want a tree growing that fast to outgrow their yard and home, so in most cases traditional shade trees are the best anyways. Cuttings are best taken when dormant to root to avoid shock with foliage. No rooting hormone is required as it releases its own natural hormone. Grows in virtually any environment from desert conditions to wet soils. However in very hot dry climates they will need some water support the first year. They also tolerate extraordinarily poor soils, and are planted near treatment plants to remove harmful waste in the soil, as they are one of the few trees that can take such pollution and thrive. For wholesale or commercial propagation cut back to the ground every year or other year and the tree will simply send new shoots from the base and this can be done indefinitely for nearly infinite cuttings to root. Can be cut for large firewood in as little as 2 or 3 years. This tree is a hybrid Between the Black Cottonwood (native to Europe and Asia) and Eastern cottonwood (native to Eastern North America). This cultivar was selected at the Oxford Paper Nursery in New York State in the 1920s. Studies show the Black and Eastern Poplar hybrid produced the best versatility and growth of the other Poplars hybridized. The 'OP-367' cultivar was found to produce the most biomass of the Hybrid Poplars, and grow the fastest. Other online sources claim the 'OP-367' cultivar can grow up to 12' per year. However studies show the tree grows its most vigorously during its first growing season, and still very aggressive during its 2nd season. I suspect growth upwards of 6' per year continues until larger than 30' tall after a few years. 'OP-367' is a male clone so no cotton/seeds are produced. The tree is most easily sold/shipped as bare-root cuttings during dormant season, but some growers may ship them as rooted saplings. The Hybrid Poplar is hardy in USDA Zones 2-10. It grows in full sun. Not particular with soil type or pH, as it is extremely versatile.
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