Pretty golden leaves of the Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) in Victoria Park this week
For all my good intentions it has been a full month since I visited the magnificent Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) in Cardiff’s Victoria Park.
I had hoped to see last month’s red male catkins develop but I have been so busy that I missed my chance of an extra visit in between times.
I went to see the tree this week on a cool spring day with sunshine and light cloud. This time the catkins had all gone and instead there were beautiful golden diamond-shaped leaves breaking through. Here are my pictures…
All that remains of what must have been beautiful catkins – this one was caught in a dip in the rugged bark…
…a closer look – truly splendid!
First view of the tree
View from outside the fence
Leaves and bark
More of the same
With a backdrop of new green leaves on another tree
Delicate curved branches
Magnificent bark
You can find my previous Lombardy poplar postings here…
We’ll meet again in May…
The Squirrelbasket 
It’s a shame that you missed the red catkins. The golden leaves look good. xx
Thanks. A shame that unlike your hornbeam there will be no fruits or seeds…
All the best 🙂
These are lovely photos, Pat.
Looking forward to seeing the catkins next spring! they look magnificent,
It’s funny thinking that far ahead these days, but yes, maybe next spring 🙂
The new leaves look like little (pointy) bouquets. Very pretty.
Thank you, yes they do, don’t they?
I must admit I didn’t even recognise poplars until a couple of years ago.
All the best :0
Those catkins are so fleeting. At least the leaves are putting on a lovely show!
Indeed. I should have visited every week but never quite got around to it.
I wonder how soon the leaves will turn to their darker green.
Thank you for stopping by to comment 🙂
It’s a lovely tree. The leaves are such a beautiful colour too
Juliet
http://craftygreenpoet.blogspot.com
Thank you.
I wonder how long before the leaves turn their darker green…
All the best 🙂