Populus simonii, commonly known as Simon Poplar, is a deciduous tree native to open woodlands and riparian zones along riverbanks in North Central and South Central China and Korea. It can reach a towering height of 80-110 feet (24-34 meters) with a broad canopy width of 65-90 feet (20-27 meters). The tree is characterized by its upright growth habit, with a straight trunk and a rounded to broadly spreading crown. The leaves are diamond-shaped with finely serrated margins and turn yellow in the fall, providing seasonal interest. Simon Poplar produces inconspicuous flowers in the form of catkins, which are followed by cottony seeds that can be a nuisance in urban settings.

Simon Poplar is valued for its rapid growth rate and adaptability to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is often used as a street tree in cool temperate regions of Europe due to its tolerance of urban pollution and its ability to provide quick shade. However, it has an extensive root system that can cause damage to pavements and underground utilities. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread aggressively by root suckers, which can lead to unwanted clonal colonies. In terms of maintenance, it requires regular pruning to manage its size and shape, and to prevent potential storm damage from its somewhat brittle wood.CC BY-SA 4.0