Populus cathayana | Arboretum Mustila

This species, called “Manchurian poplar” in Suomi, apparently has no English common name. It is one of the group of balsam poplars with scented leaves, growing in the river valleys of its natural range into a large tree up to 30m, but remains smaller in Finland. It has rising branches and a narrow crown, with fluttering light green leaves and, like many Asian poplars, it is healthy. It does not produce root suckers.

The Mustila specimens are from a south-eastern Manchurian source, the Baishilazhin nature reserve, received via the Helsinki University Botanical Garden and planted in 2006. Winter hardiness has so far been excellent.