Autumn sentinels a welcome sight

Tall, straight, golden Lombardy poplars are the autumn sentinels of the wider Whanganui region.

They were planted freely by settlers, often in rows as avenues or to mark boundaries or river crossings.

True Lombardy poplars are the "Italica" cultivar of Populus nigra, the black poplar of Europe, southwest and central Asia and northwest Africa. They are suited to countries with hot, dry summers and they grow fast, straight, tall and narrow.

When they were introduced to the United States in the late 1700s, Lombardy poplars were acclaimed as sublime and planted widely. The quick growing tree's shortcomings soon became apparent.

Its invasive roots disrupted pavements and caused problems with drainage. Its soft wood made it prone to blowing over or dropping branches without warning. It was also prey to diseases like a stem canker that shortened its life.

Hundreds of trees were removed, and by the mid-1800s critics were calling them "tiresome and disgusting".

That's not a sentiment that affected European settlers here, where it seems the poplars are around every corner of the Parapara highway.

In the Wanganui district, their most common disease problem is a leaf rust that causes them to lose their leaves early, reduces their root and stem growth and may cause dieback. Most Lombardys will have it.

Whatever their disadvantages, a Wanganui autumn would not be the same without their tall, golden columns and falling leaves.

Architect Mark Southcombe recognised this truth when he planted some, with other trees local people have an affection for, in the city's southern entranceway.

Wednesday feature

Nature Watch is a Wednesday feature for the Wanganui Chronicle's outdoor section. It aims to note the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the region, through its plants and animals, as the seasons pass.

Do you have a favourite sight, sound or smell of autumn? Tell me about it. Ring 06 349 0710 ext 50833, email laurel.stowell@wanganuichronicle.co.nz or write to Laurel Stowell, Wanganui Chronicle, PO Box 433, Wanganui.