Populus x canadensis Serotina Aurea - Canadian Poplar

Populus x canadensis 'Serotina Aurea' is a hybrid poplar, also known as the euramerican poplar. This cultivar is also found under the names Populus x canadensis var. vangeertii aurea and Populus x canadensis 'Aurea'. It forms a large, vigorously growing tree with a broadly conical habit. Its deciduous, oval leaves are bright golden yellow in spring, turning yellow-green in summer, and returning to golden yellow in autumn. Its dark bark is deeply channelled. The spring flowering, covered in fluffy white down, resembles snowflakes. This cultivar is resistant to canker, but susceptible to certain leaf diseases and wind damage.

The Canadian Poplar, in Latin Populus x canadensis or Populus x euramericana, belongs to the salicaceae family. Native to North America, it is a spontaneous hybrid between Populus deltoides and Populus nigra. 'Serotina Aurea' is a cultivar that can reach a height of 25 m and 16-17 m in width, with rapid growth. It develops a broad, rounded cone-shaped crown, with trailing lower branches. The branches exposed to wind become imposing, giving the canopy an asymmetrical appearance. The bark is smooth, brownish-grey, but cracks and becomes wrinkled over time. In spring, young golden yellow leaves emerge and unfold into triangular, tooth-edged leaves, shiny and yellow-green on top, turning yellow in October. They fall quite early in the season. Its inflorescences are catkins, with seeds covered in whitish, fluffy down that the wind carries and sometimes accumulates in certain places, giving the impression of snowfall in the middle of spring. The root system is more or less shallow depending on the nature of the soil, and the tree is usually planted in moist soils, with relatively brittle wood. Its wide crown also makes it susceptible to wind damage. This cultivar is known for its susceptibility to two diseases that affect poplars: leaf spot and rust.

Populus 'Serotina Aurea' is best reserved for very large gardens if planted as a solitary tree, or for landscaping in parks and large gardens due to its significant development and vulnerability to wind. For this reason, it should be installed away from buildings (at least 20-25 m). It will thrive in wet to moist soils, even limestone soils, such as along watercourses or at the edge of large natural ponds. It could be paired with common alder, willow, and ash, which have the same cultural requirements.