Pioppo Cipressino

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Salicaceae

Order

Malpighiales

Genus

Populus

Species

nigra 'Italica'

Description

A deciduous polyennial tree of first magnitude. The upright habit with fastigiate form gives it a primary role of high landscape value. Suitable for large gardens, parks, tree lines and tree-lined avenues, also in urban areas where it tolerates drought and air pollution.

Variety description

Large tree also widespread in nature and in the agricultural landscape. Dense branching and branches close to the trunk. Neat habit with slender, columnar form, light green leaves turning yellow in autumn. Excellent adaptability to various soil types and growing environments, including urban climates. It develops a medium deep root in the soil, with many secondary roots; prefers clay and sandy soils, but grows well in all soil types. Requires a sunny exposure. Multifunctional tree, suitable for park areas, urban avenues, gardens, industrial green areas and rural landscaping; not suitable for roof gardens. Has good drought resistance and adaptability to coastal areas. Resistant to pathogens and does not require much pruning, which must be oriented towards maintaining the compact columnar shape of the foliage.

Curiosities and special features

The cypress poplar often features prominently in the countryside and rural landscapes, and is also often used as a windbreak protecting cultivated fields.

Origin and distribution

Populus nigra cultivar selected in Lombardy in the 17th century and spread throughout Europe.

Leaf

The leaves have a heart-shaped lamina.

Flowering period

Dioecious species whose flowers, grouped in catkins, appear from early spring to late spring and last from 10 to 20 days.

Leaf colour

Solid green tones that turn to yellow in a scenic autumn foliage.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 5 to 30 m, making it a first-class tree.

Lifespan

Deciduous polyannual tree.

Where to plant

Tree suitable for open field cultivation The cypress poplar is suitable for park areas, urban avenues, gardens, industrial and rural landscaping.

Stem

The stem is woody with brownish-grey bark furrowed longitudinally by deep fissures; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Vigorous Growth Plant.

Plant habit

The habitus is erect with a slender stem and columnar or fastigiate foliage.

Branching

The branching is abundant and dense with branches close to the trunk.

PH

It prefers soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, in the optimal range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in late autumn or late winter, choose the most suitable location, depending on the plant's needs, and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third larger than the volume of roots or root ball to be transplanted. The planting soil must be free of weeds and cumbersome pebbles, and it is also advisable to bury slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser to provide the nutrients the plant needs in the early post-transplant phases.

Sun exposure

Requires full sun exposure.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C.

Use

Its elegant bearing gives it a primary role in:

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

A tree of medium to high hardiness, it adapts well to cold winter climates and is drought tolerant.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, however, the ideal soil for fostering better vegetative development is medium-textured and well-drained with organic matter.

Difficulty

It requires an overall low level of management commitment following the move to the new plant site.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation measures and aspects to achieve better vegetative growth:

Balanced fertilisation Expose the plant to maximum light Plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions. Prefers slightly calcareous water

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 2500 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

Place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping it well compacted around the root and keeping the plant collar off the soil surface. Prune off any roots that are too long when transplanting and reduce branching if very dense, and water the roots with water and symbiont fungus mix or mycorrhiza before planting.

Pruning

It does not need much pruning, which should be directed towards maintaining the compact, columnar shape of the foliage.

Propagation

Propagation can be by seed, cuttings and grafting.

Watering

When transplanting, assist the plant so that it can best develop its root system in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. After transplanting, prevent water saturation conditions and provide quantities with frequencies and doses that are also commensurate with the climatic conditions during the different seasons.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil for transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants. Following transplanting, during the spring period apply a balanced fertiliser to the soil without exceeding the doses and frequencies.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Tip

The agronomic characteristics of the cultivation nursery must also be possessed by the storage nursery for plants purchased by the gardener and which he does not intend to use immediately after purchase. If the tree and shrub plants are to remain on the gardener's farm for a longer period of time, they must be cultivated with any transplanting or replanting for growth. At the end of cultivation before uprooting or sale the soil must be temperate and never too wet; tie up branches well to prevent breakage and reduce the volume of occupation during transport.