Brooks poplar is presumed to be a cross between a native cottonwood and a Russian poplar (Populus deltoides x Populus petrowskyana). It i...Read Mores a male clone introduced by Mr. Augustus Griffin, superintendent of the C.P.R.'s Engineering Division (later the Alberta government's Crop Diversification Centre South) at Brooks, Alberta in 1954. This poplar is a tall, fast-growing, upright, deciduous tree with rough bark. Leaves are alternate, simple, dark shiny green, and diamond-shaped. It carries its leaves fairly late in the year. Its mature height ranges from 10 to 25 m (33 to 80 ft) with a spread of about 15 m (50 ft). It can be expected to reach a height of 6 m (20 ft) in five to seven years from a one year old rooted cutting.
It has wide soil adaptation and while it requires generous amounts of water, it will survive while exposed to short periods of low moisture. It can be planted in full sun or half shade, and can tolerate early or late frosts. Brooks poplars are used for shade trees, accent plantings, street trees, parks plantings and shelterbelts. They are too large for an average suburban lot, but good for large properties and parks. Brooks #6 is a male clone and does not produce cotton like female plants. They provide habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife.
Problems:
1. Extensive root system may spread up to four times the height of the tree. Roots may invade cracks in pavement, concrete and sewer lines, causing further damage. Roots will sucker if damaged.
2. Canker - usually associated with a major setback e.g. transplanting, heavy pruning, root disturbance, old age, and/or drought.
3. Forest tent caterpillars. Poplar gall mites have been found on this plant only on rare occasions.
4. Short-lived, with a useful lifespan of between 15 and 30 years.
5. Like many poplars, it has has soft, weak wood that can be damaged easily in storms. Twig and branch litter is common after strong winds.
6. Male catkins are coated in a fragrant, sticky resin and are messy.
7. Male trees release massive amounts of airborne pollen in spring, which can be a problem for allergy sufferers.
We had two Brooks poplars in our backyard when I was a kid. They were great to climb on and cast a lot of shade on hot summer days. However their roots killed the grass, and they littered the yard with sticky catkins in the spring. During windy or stormy weather, twigs and small branches broke loose and fell to the ground. They are better situated in parks and large estate properties.
Brooks poplar is presumed to be a cross between a native cottonwood and a Russian poplar (Populus deltoides x Populus petrowskyana). It i...Read More