Arboretum History Virtual Tour - WHITE POPLAR

Populus alba       |        Salicaceae       |       white poplar

Historical Context:

Lush plantings from the east coast were popular between 1930 and 1950. Trees, adapted to riparian areas, incuding the sissoo and poplars seen north of the Social Sciences building, were planted and established in flood irrigation berms using well water. The ample water these trees received by flood irrigation helped them produce deep roots and thrive for many decades. Grass planted during this period also provided supplemental moisture. When the UA switched to overhead/spray irrigation (watering just deep enough for the turf), some of the trees began to fail. The Deodar Cedars that were growing West of the Douglass building are an example of this problem.

Next Stop ⇒ Mondell Pine

Previous Stop ⇒ Roble Preito

Return to Arboretum History Tour Page

Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum History Tour page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)