Flora of cultivated and wild poplars (Populus, Salicaceae) in small towns of European Russia: a case study of Shatura, Moscow Region

The species composition of cultivated and wild poplars (Populus L.) in small towns of European Russia was studied, using the Moscow Region town of Shatura as a case study. This approach was chosen because, currently, poplar composition has only been studied extensively in major Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. In 2024, a complete census of trees was conducted within two city blocks (37 and 29 hectares, respectively), supplemented by a route-based survey outside these areas. A total of 204 adult poplars were identified in street and courtyard landscaping, including: one local “pure” species (P. tremula, 15 specimens), one more southern “pure” species (P. nigra var. nigra, 1 specimen), one “pure” North American species (P. deltoides, 2 specimens), two cultivars derived from “pure” species (P. nigra var. nigra × P. nigra var. italica, 1 specimen; P. simonii var. pendula, 1 specimen), two simple hybrids (P. × canescens, 15 specimens; P. × canadensis, 1 specimen), and two complex hybrids (P. × sibirica, 97 specimens; P. × petrovskoe, 71 specimens). The latter two complex hybrids, common spontaneously emerged cultivars throughout Russia, dominate the landscaping (47.5% and 34.8% of all poplars, respectively). No rare or Shatura-specific cultivars were found. Planting material for Shatura landscaping likely originated from the Ivanteevka nursery near Moscow, explaining the similarity to Moscow’s poplar flora. However, some trees may have been planted independently by local residents. Optimization of Shatura’s cultivated poplar flora is recommended, with an increase in urban-resistant and ornamental species like P. × canadensis and P. simonii, and a decrease in the fluff-producing and less ornamental P. × sibirica.

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