As winter draws to a close, the poplars begin to bloom. The characteristic catkins, which have different appearances depending on the species and gender, are among the early risers among the local tree blossoms.
When is the poplar flowering time?
Depending on the species and region, the poplar flowering period begins towards the end of winter into spring, usually before the foliage begins. The exact time depends on the location, climate and individual conditions, with flowering occurring later in more northern latitudes.
Flowering time before leafing time
The typical catkin flowers are the first thing the poplar produces every year. As early as the end of winter, the typical, drooping spike inflorescences can appear in the bare branches. Either only male or only female flowers then appear on the individual poplar trees. The male ones soon fall off once they have completed their pollination task.
The leaves take a little longer and sleep into spring. The flowers are left to take center stage until after they have bloomed.
However, the flowering time depends on the region. In more northern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, where poplar species are found everywhere, the catkins sometimes only appear in March or April. The individual location of a single tree can also influence the flowering time, so that even within a group of poplars one specimen blooms significantly earlier than the other.
