Populus x canadensis

Canadian Poplar

Populus x canadensis, commonly known as Canadian poplar or bastard poplar, is a species of tree belonging to the willow family (Salicaceae). It originated as a cross between the American black poplar (Populus deltoides) and the European poplar (Populus nigra). The bastard poplar is a fast-growing tree that usually reaches a height of 20 to 30 metres, but in some cases it can reach 40 metres. Its leaves are diamond-shaped to ovoid, green and alternate. The bark of the tree is grey-brown and becomes more deeply grooved with age. Due to its fast growth rates and ability to adapt to a wide range of site conditions, it has often been used for reforestation projects and timber production. Its status as an invasive species varies by region and there are many places where it is still considered a valuable contribution to forestry.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

The canadian poplar is a fast-growing tree and can thus easily overgrow and suppress native plant species. This can be particularly problematic in hardwood forests. In addition, hybrids occur with the endangered native black poplar (Populus nigra), which can expose its population to further risks.

Region of origin

No natural habitat - hybridisation

Introduction vectors

Forestry

Populus x canadensis has been planted in some regions for forestry purposes, preferably for the recultivation of open-cast mining areas and the greening of dumps and landfills.

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The willow family (Salicaceae) comprises about 56 genera with about 1220 species. They are distributed worldwide, with a focus on the temperate to cold zones of the northern hemisphere. The family consists mainly of trees and shrubs. Characteristic are the mostly simple, often alternate leaves and the often unisexual, mostly small flowers, which are arranged in catkins. Many species are of economic importance as they provide fast-growing wood that is used for paper, wood-based materials and energy wood. Well-known representatives are the poplars (Populus) and the willows (Salix). Some species are also used as ornamental plants.

Climate change

Populus x canadensis has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, altitude, summer precipitation, autumn temperature and winter temperature.

Positive effects

Due to its fast growth, the Canadian poplar is in demand in the timber industry, for example for the production of paper or also as an energy crop in short rotation coppices. However, its cultivation is declining, not least because of its sensitivity to frost and drought.
Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Populus canadensis where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.