Tower Poplar vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Tower Poplar vs Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Populus x canescens Tower

Black Locust
Tower Poplar

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

Tower Poplar is a fast growing, tall columnar tree that closely resembles the Swedish aspen. It produces no fluff, requires minimal maintenance and no pruning. It can tolerate drought and thrives in poor soils. Tower Poplar is most commonly planted in shelterbelts or to line driveways and property lines as a privacy hedge.

Black Locust Quick Facts

Tower Poplar Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $4.49 - SAVE UP TO 44%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: yes
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust