Japanese Poplar

Populus suaveolens f. suaveolens

Native to:
China, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Russia

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Populus
Species:
Populus suaveolens f. suaveolens
USDA Symbol:
POMA41

Growth Characteristics

Height:
2500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fragrant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from roots and stump after fire damage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers riverbanks and floodplains

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds are very short-lived and must be sown fresh; requires light for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI