Key to Poplars and Willows
in New Zealand

Version 1.0.5

'Argyle'

Populus deltoides x P. nigra NZ 5015

‘Argyle’ is a PVR-licensed variety resulting from the 1980 P. x euramericana crosses.

Identification

‘Argyle’ leaves are heart-shaped with an undulating leaf margin. The leaves flush bronze in late September, maturing to dark green above and light green below. ‘Argyle’ is easily recognised by it’s rough furrowed bark that develops while the tree is very young, typically in the second or third growing season.

The crown of ‘Argyle’ spreads broadly in fertile pastoral situations, and unruly heavy limbs are common. ‘Argyle’ is female.

Typical uses, site requirements, pest and disease resistance

‘Argyle’ is suitable for soil conservation and stock shelter. ‘Argyle’ will develop a narrower crown form if used on hard, low fertility sites. Being very vigorous, ‘Argyle’ is commonly used as a fodder tree, and the early rough bark development makes it useful on cattle farms. Like ‘Veronese’, it tolerates relatively dry and windy sites, and is often used in east coast regions.

‘Argyle’ is palatable to possums, but has moderate resistance to poplar leaf rusts and leaf anthracnose.

Performance in trials

‘Argyle’ is one of the fastest growing 1980 P. x euramericana hybrids. In most trials ‘Argyle’ height is comparable to other hybrids, however it usually has the largest average diameter (dbh). In a Wairarapa trial (ann. rainfall 850 mm) of 15 hybrids, ‘Argyle’ at age 12 had the largest average dbh of 37 cm (c.f. Weraiti 36 cm, ‘Kawa’ 27 cm), and an average height of 16.3 m (c.f. ‘Weraiti’ 17.9 m, ‘Kawa’ 15.4 m). This resulted in a volume index second only to ‘Weraiti’. At the same age in Manawatu (ann. rainfall 1200 mm) and at age 13 in Otago (ann. rainfall 600 mm), ‘Argyle’ dbh averaged 29 cm and 23 cm respectively.

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