Like other members of the genus, the roots often clog older underground tile and drains. Moist areas may require a tree such as this that is adapted to low oxygen soils. Branches are closely pressed to the main trunk, growing nearly upright, and forming a narrow crown or head. This cultivar grows rapidly and has been used principally in gardens for screens and tall backgrounds. Lombardy Poplar Leaves have a flattened petiole.
Leaves are medium green with a wedge-shaped base.
Lombardy poplar is attacked by a number of canker-causing fungi that cause decline and death in a few years. Fungicides are not effective. In Ohio, aspen trees are found mostly in the northern regions of the state. The tree extends to the tundra line in the north and from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. The tree reproduces readily from root suckers and may form clonal colonies of great size and age.