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Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest'

Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest'

Deciduous · Full Sun

Mature size: 15m–25m high × 5m wide

  • Deciduous
  • Full Sun
  • Mature height15m–25m
  • Mature width5m
  • Frost Hardy

Most loved for its tall, upright columnar habit and very fast growth, making it a superb choice for avenues, screening, and windbreaks in large landscapes.

Regular price $110.00
Sale price $110.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Please enquire$110.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$280.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$700.00
200LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,350.00
300LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$2,360.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

Delivery is calculated at checkout.

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    About Populus euramericana x nigra 'Crows Nest'

    Populus euramericana x nigra 'Crows Nest' is a deciduous fastigiate poplar, narrow and strictly upright, with branches held close to the trunk. Glossy triangular mid green leaves sit on distinctive purple leaf stalks and rustle constantly. Autumn colour is a soft dull yellow, and the winter silhouette is a clean vertical column.

    Full sun and most reasonably drained soils will do, from sandy loams to heavier clays. It suits cool temperate, temperate and inland climates, takes frost and wind in its stride, and becomes moderately drought tolerant once settled. Growth is quick at roughly one to 1.5 metres a year, so shelter arrives fast.

    Its narrow shape earns its keep in tall screens, windbreaks, formal avenues and driveway plantings where ground space is limited but height is wanted. It is widely used as a substitute for Lombardy Poplar because the outline is similar and the plants are cleaner. A reliable choice where vertical impact matters more than canopy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Crows Nest Poplar

    What is Crows Nest Poplar?

    Crows Nest Poplar is a fastigiate hybrid poplar, a cross involving Populus euramericana and Populus nigra, grown for its very narrow, strongly upright habit. Glossy triangular leaves on purple stalks give the canopy a fine texture, and the whole tree reads as a tall green column. Spring catkins are small and easily missed.

    How big does Crows Nest Poplar grow?

    It reaches around 18 metres in height with a slim spread of about five metres. That narrow footprint is the point of the tree, letting you place real height along a fence line, driveway or boundary without the canopy pushing out over neighbouring space or hard surfaces.

    How fast does Crows Nest Poplar grow?

    Roughly one to 1.5 metres a year in good conditions, which is quick by any standard. A screen planted at a decent size will be doing useful work within two or three seasons. Growth is fastest with full sun and consistent moisture through the first summers, then eases as the tree matures.

    Is Crows Nest Poplar a good alternative to Lombardy Poplar?

    It is commonly specified for exactly that reason. The outline is similar, tall and tightly columnar, but the tree tends to hold a neater, more compact form. Landscapers use it where the Lombardy look is wanted along an avenue or boundary, in a plant with a cleaner habit and consistent nursery grown form.

    How far apart should I plant Crows Nest Poplars?

    For avenue planting, three metres apart gives a uniform, soft textured line. As individual feature trees, allow three to four metres so each plant develops its full form. Closer spacing than three metres is sometimes used for a solid screen, though the columns will merge into a single mass rather than reading as separate trees.

    Is Crows Nest Poplar frost and drought tolerant?

    Frost is not an issue. It is a cold hardy deciduous tree that sheds its leaves well before the worst of winter, and it performs strongly in cool inland and tableland districts. Drought tolerance is moderate once the tree is established, but young plants need reliable water through their first two summers.

    How do I care for Crows Nest Poplar?

    Water regularly during establishment and mulch the root zone. Pruning is rarely needed because the form holds itself, though you can lift lower branches for clearance and remove damaged wood in late winter. Keep the tree away from pipes, paving and footings, since poplar roots are vigorous and seek out moisture.

    Key growing information
    Mature height15m to 25m (approx.)
    Mature width5m
    PositionFull Sun
    Growth per year1m to 1.5m per year (approx.)
    FrostFrost Hardy
    FoliageDeciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
    FormUpright · Columnar
    UsesRural Property Planting · Avenue Planting · Windbreak
    Foliage

    Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Upright
    • Columnar
    Use
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Avenue Planting
    • Windbreak
    Mature height
    15m to 25m (approx.)
    Mature width
    5m
    Populus euramericana nigra 'Crows Nest' - Evergreen Trees Direct

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest'

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest'

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest'

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' in Different Soil

    Populus x performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Populus euramericana nigra 'Crows Nest' - Evergreen Trees Direct

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Rural Property Planting
    • Avenue Planting
    • Windbreak

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' works in an:

    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 15m to 25m (approx.)

    Mature Width: 5m

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest'

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest'

    Is Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' frost tolerant?

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

    Does Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' Flower?

    Populus × euramericana ‘Nigra Crows Nest’ produces long, hanging catkins in early spring, with male trees showing yellow pollen-bearing tassels and female trees developing greenish seed catkins. These blooms are not ornamental, but they mark the start of the tree’s rapid spring growth.

    Does Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' flower?

    • No - Doesn't Flower

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Catkin-like

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' is Native to A cultivated hybrid form of Populus nigra (Black Poplar, native to Europe) and Populus deltoides (Cottonwood, native to North America), bred for landscape and agricultural planting.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' ?

    Its early-season catkins provide pollen for bees, while the seeds offer food for small birds. The tall, upright structure creates excellent roosting and perching habitat, and the rough bark and leaf litter support insects and microfauna. It contributes well to biodiversity in large gardens, farms and rural shelterbelts.

    How much Sunlight does Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' need?

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Populus × euramericana ‘Nigra Crows Nest’ performs best in moist, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It grows rapidly in fertile, deep soils but may struggle in compacted or very dry areas unless improved with organic matter to enhance structure and moisture retention. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong upright growth, healthy canopy development and long-term landscape performance.

    Is Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' Drought Tolerant?

    Is Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established ‘Crows Nest’ offers moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in moist, well-drained soils but can handle short dry periods when supported with deep, occasional watering. Consistent moisture helps maintain its strong vertical growth and dense upper canopy.

    Populus euramericana nigra 'Crows Nest' - Evergreen Trees Direct

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall does Crows Nest Poplar grow?

    Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' grows to 15-25 metres tall and 4-6 metres wide with an upright columnar form.

    How fast does Crows Nest Poplar grow?

    Crows Nest Poplar is very fast-growing, adding 1-2 metres per year once established, making it one of the quickest screening trees available.

    Why choose Crows Nest Poplar?

    Crows Nest is a non-suckering poplar cultivar, which avoids the invasive root-sucker problem of older poplars. Its fast growth and narrow upright form make it excellent for quick tall screening and windbreaks.

    Is Crows Nest Poplar deciduous?

    Yes. Crows Nest Poplar is fully deciduous. The foliage turns golden-yellow in autumn before dropping in winter.

    Is Crows Nest Poplar suitable for screening?

    Yes. The narrow upright form and rapid growth make Crows Nest Poplar a popular choice for fast tall screens, windbreaks, and boundary planting on rural and large properties.

    Where does Crows Nest Poplar grow best in Australia?

    Crows Nest Poplar is adaptable across most Australian climates, performing best with reliable moisture and full sun. Keep clear of pipes and drains.

    How far apart should I plant Crows Nest Poplar for a screen?

    Plant 1.5-2.5 metres apart for a fast continuous tall screen or windbreak.

    Populus euramericana nigra 'Crows Nest' - Evergreen Trees Direct

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    40cm/45L

    Enquire for current heights

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    200L

    Enquire for current heights

    300L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Populus euramericana x nigra 'Crows Nest' is loved for its tall, upright columnar habit and very fast growth, making it a superb choice for avenues, screening, and windbreaks in large landscapes.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Populus x euramericana 'Crows Nest' With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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