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 10' per year. The tree can grow to be over 100' tall im about a decade or so. This tree is almost never 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 if not all urban homeowners shouldn't want a tree growing that fast to outgrow their yard and home, so in most cases traditional shade trees are the best. 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 arid sites to wet sites. However in very hot dry climates they will require water support the first few years. They also tolerate extraordinarily poor soils, and are planted near treatment plants or polluted sites to remove harmful waste in the soil, as they are one of the few trees that can take such conditions and thrive. For wholesale or commercial propagation cut back to the ground every year or every 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 40' 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, though some growers may ship them as rooted saplings. The Hybrid Poplar is hardy in USDA Zones 3-10. It grows in full sun. Not particular with soil type or pH, as it is extremely versatile.
The following is quote from North Carolina State University on why Poplars are not good landscaping trees:
"Poplars are not good landscape trees because they are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases as well as other cultural problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, caterpillars, and scale. Cankers are problematic especially in hot and humid climates. Cytospora canker attacks the upper branches of the tree and trunk and is often fatal. Dieback, leaf spots, rusts, and powdery mildew are other diseases problems. Weak wood is easily damaged by wind and shallow roots can lift sidewalks, make lawn mowing difficult, and damage drainage systems. Frequent clean up is required from the endless amount of falling leaves and twigs. To quote Michael Dirr from his popular book Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, "if anyone plants poplars they deserve the disasters which automatically ensue.""
All in all use this tree as a reclamation for the environment, or to screen large open farmlands with poor soils. It is best to avoid Poplars in general in the urban landscape.
Sources:
https://www.hybridpoplars.com/hybrid-poplar-uses/
https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/53617/#b
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/populus-nigra/
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a894
•
2 linked videos (YouTube and Instagram) posted August 15th, 2022 and September 7th, 2022. Over over 1.5' of growth within 3 weeks!
https://youtu.be/V9BMO-Tv7Ck
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiOH5KJDdY7/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=
No comments:
Post a Comment