Highland Poplar

If you need a tree that can survive where others surrender, the Highland Poplar is a top-tier candidate. Introduced by Highland Nursery in Greeley, Colorado, this tree is a naturally occurring hybrid of the Narrowleaf and Plains Cottonwoods. It was specifically selected for its ability to thrive in the high-wind, high-alkaline, and high-elevation environments of the Rockies. Unlike its massive cottonwood parents, the Highland variety maintains a much more compact, upright-oval habit, making it far more practical for residential yards and street-side planting.

One of its biggest selling points is that it is a cottonless (male) selection. You get the rapid growth and lush, waxy green foliage of a poplar without the messy drifts of white fluff. The leaves are thick and leathery, helping the tree stand up to intense summer sun and drying winds better than most. In the autumn, it turns a clean, bright yellow, providing a classic fall aesthetic. Because it is incredibly hardy and grows with an "upward" focus, it is a favorite for creating fast-growing windbreaks, visual screens, or dependable shade in tough northern climates.