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Populus tremula 'Erecta'

aspen 'Erecta'

A very tall and vigorous, fastigiate form of the aspen, thought to originate from Sweden. Its rustling leaves show good autumn colour. Male catkins are borne in spring

Synonyms
Populus tremula 'Fastigiata'
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Bronze
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Populus are deciduous trees, mostly very fast-growing and large, with male and female catkins on separate trees, opening before the leaves. Male catkins are the more ornamental, female ones can be a nuisance from the cottony, wind-blown seeds

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Cultivated for the very rapid growth as a specimen tree and tolerant of any soil other than constantly waterlogged soils. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root system may damage drains and foundations, particularly on clay soils. It has the potential to become a nuisance

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter and suckers in autumn or late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Needs little pruning, but maybe some formative shaping. Pruning group 1 in late summer to avoid bleeding from pruning cuts; sucker removal in autumn or winter

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus

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