Canadian poplar

Populus x canadensis Moench

Family: SalicaceaeZones: 3-9 per Utah State Extension

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

No hazard route is stated for this plant in the sources cited; absence is not a safety clearance.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA index has no Populus x canadensis page. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Populus x canadensis Moench (Kew WCVP; Utah State uses "Populus x canadensis and others"; Trees and Shrubs Online uses Populus x canadensis Moench), not on the common name.. Populus x canadensis is a group of hybrid clones, not one tree: Trees and Shrubs Online says the name Moench used probably meant the clone Serotina, and that the name Populus x euramericana (favoured by the International Poplar Commission) is illegitimate. Kew WCVP also holds a different, misapplied "Populus canadensis" that points to a North American cottonwood (Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera). Check the cultivar name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3-9 per Utah State Extension
Light: Utah State: shade intolerant (low shade tolerance).
Water needs: high high is a plain-language reading of Utah State (prefers abundant water; low drought tolerance; medium poor-drainage tolerance). Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: Trees and Shrubs Online: cultivar specimens in Britain measured 72-150 ft tall (for example Serotina 150 ft, Marilandica 121 ft at Kew, Eugenei 40.5 m at Colesbourne). Utah State: growth rate high.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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