Tower Poplar vs Wild Privet - TreeTime.ca

Tower Poplar vs Wild Privet

Populus x canescens Tower

Ligustrum vulgare

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Tower Poplar
Wild Privet

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.

Wild Privet is a fast growing ornamental shrub that is well suited for forming hedges and privacy screens. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They have small white flowers, though the smell is often considered unpleasant. While the berries are inedible, they are a good food source for many bird species.

It is recommended to prune Wild Privet immediately after flowering, as it can readily self seed. It is deer and rabbit tolerant. It can grow in dry areas, on slopes, and withstand the wind making it well suited for many growing conditions.

Tower Poplar Quick Facts

Wild Privet Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: If ingested, all parts of this plant will cause severe discomfort. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Flowers: white
Berries: black
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: common privet, european privet