h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Azara, I don't know if you might have an answer for this question, but I'm going to give it a go. Lombardy Black Poplars (at least, that's what I think they are) with their upward pointing branches, are a common feature along the roadways of Cork city, but I have noticed recently that there appears to be two types - one which is now well on its way to leafing - it appears a light green, the other which is just starting budding, and appears yellow against the landscape. It appears there might be two varieties or species of trees, and I am just curious which is which. Do you know anything about this?

BTW - I have asked for the Landscape book we talked about from the local bookstore, and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival. Thanks again for all your help!

Woodpigeon

Hi, Woodpigeon!

I'd never noticed that myself, but I don't think we have as many Lombardy poplars around Co. Wicklow as you have in Cork.

I had a look in one of Alan Mitchell's books - he was an Englishman who spent years studying and measuring trees in Britain and Ireland. He thought there were up to five kinds: four of these (incuding the most common, original version) were male forms, with varying width and leafiness. One was a female form, the 'Giant Poplar' which is wider at the top than the other forms. He says that this female form has very noticeable long catkins in late spring, followed by fluffy seeds in summer. Maybe the difference between the ones you see is due to long catkins on one type and not the other?

If that's not it, I'm afraid I can't help!

Azara

Hi Azara,

Thanks for that! My understanding is that most black poplars are males, and not all have such prominent upward pointing branches. The trees I am seeing all look the same during the winter, but now that spring has arrived they are showing very different budding/leafing behaviour. It's probably slightly different varieties of the same thing. They are planted on most of the dual-carriage ways and new roads around Cork city. A visit to a garden centre is on the cards, I think!

Many thanks again!

Woodpigeon