Common Name: Siouxland poplar
Scientific Name:
Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Populus
Species: P. deltoides "Siouxland"
Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 70 to 80 ft
Width: 40 ft
Common characteristics:
Siouxland poplar, a "cotton-less cottonwood", was introduced by South Dakota State University. It shares common traits with eastern cottonwood but has slightly larger leaves. The main benefit of this extremely fast-growing tree is that it does not produce the cotton that the eastern cottonwood does, making it a less messy variety. It has a beautiful pyramidal form with a rounded top, though it does require annual pruning to maintain this form. Pruning should occur in the winter, as warm weather pruning will leave this species vulnerable to pests and diseases
Where it grows:
Prefers moist, well-drained soils to wet soils. Will tolerate occasional flooding and drought along with wet or dry sites. Can tolerate in alkaline and clay soils.
How it’s used:
Used as a shade tree due to its large stature and canopy. Best suited in an open park or yard. Allow plenty of space for this tree to grow and place away from walkways or sidewalks.
Ecosystem services:
Songbirds, mammals, and sapsuckers all utilize this poplar for food or shelter.
Where it is native to:
Native to most of North America, this cultivar was introduced in South Dakota and is suited for northern climates, hardy to zone 3.
Problems:
Susceptible to a wide range of diseases including dieback, cankers, leaf spots, and powdery mildew. Insects include borers, aphids, caterpillars, and scale. Resistant to rusts.
References:
McKay Nursery Company