Key to Poplars and Willows
in New Zealand

'Crowsnest'

• 0. Poplar or Willow?
• Looks like a poplar -> Poplar - 1. Crown shape
• Narrow crown (or uncertain) -> 2. Bark
• Bark is rough -> 4. Bark and form
• Bark coarsely ribbed, ribs not parallel. Apical dominance, often with a heavy asymmetrical branch(es), leaves with green upper surface, light green lower surface, leaves hang down from stem -> 6. P. x euramericana hybrids
• Very narrow form, numerous light branches, steep branch angle, leaves smaller and rounder than other <i>P.x euramericana</i> -> 'Crowsnest'

(Populus deltoides x P. nigra) x P. nigra NZ 5010

‘Crowsnest’ is a New Zealand-bred PVR-licensed variety that originates from a backcross between a P. x euramericana hybrid and P. nigra. It was first released commercially in 1994.

Identification

‘Crowsnest’ leaves are smaller and rounder than leaves of the P. x euramericana hybrids, with a leaf base that tapers towards the leaf tip. Like ‘Veronese’, the new leaves of ‘Crowsnest’ flush a dark reddish-bronze in mid-late September in Manawatu, maturing to dark green on the upper surface and light green below, with a red midrib.

The numerous side branches of ‘Crowsnest’ have a very steep branch angle that results in a narrow crown approaching that of Lombardy poplar. Unlike the Lombardy poplar, ‘Crowsnest’ is female.

Typical uses, site requirements, pest and disease resistance

‘Crowsnest’ is primarily used for horticultural shelterbelts and windbreaks on small rural holdings. The branches are light and require little or no side trimming. ‘Crowsnest’ is used as a soil conservation tree in east coast regions, as it is reasonably drought tolerant.

‘Crowsnest’ has low-moderate rust and anthracnose resistance and is palatable to possums.