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(Populus alba)
White Poplar (Populus alba)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
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Matt Lavin
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CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Populus alba, commonly known as White Poplar, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and central and western Asia. It typically grows to heights of 15–30 meters (49–98 feet), with a trunk up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in diameter. The tree’s broad, rounded crown and distinctive bark, which is smooth and greenish-white to greyish-white with diamond-shaped dark marks on young trees, make it easily recognizable. As the tree ages, the bark at the base becomes blackish and fissured. White Poplar’s leaves are notable for their green-and-white coloration, contributing to its ornamental value. The tree produces catkins in early spring before the leaves emerge, which are not particularly showy. It is often found in riparian zones, along riverbanks, and in floodplains where it can withstand occasional flooding.
White Poplar is valued for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, including slightly acidic soils and areas with salt spray, making it useful for coastal dune stabilization. Its extensive root system can help prevent soil erosion. In urban and garden settings, it is planted for its striking foliage and as a shade tree. However, its root suckers can be problematic, leading to unwanted spread and potential conflicts with nearby structures or hardscapes. For successful cultivation, White Poplar requires full sun and abundant water, and it can adapt to various soil drainage conditions, from fast to slow. There are no widely recognized cultivars in the horticultural trade, but its natural form is often sufficient for landscape use. Potential problems include susceptibility to canker diseases and pests such as the poplar borer. It can become invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should be cautious about planting it in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
White Poplar is valued for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, including slightly acidic soils and areas with salt spray, making it useful for coastal dune stabilization. Its extensive root system can help prevent soil erosion. In urban and garden settings, it is planted for its striking foliage and as a shade tree. However, its root suckers can be problematic, leading to unwanted spread and potential conflicts with nearby structures or hardscapes. For successful cultivation, White Poplar requires full sun and abundant water, and it can adapt to various soil drainage conditions, from fast to slow. There are no widely recognized cultivars in the horticultural trade, but its natural form is often sufficient for landscape use. Potential problems include susceptibility to canker diseases and pests such as the poplar borer. It can become invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should be cautious about planting it in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 50-80 feet
- Width: 50-75 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
native to Europe, northwest Africa, and central and western Asia, often found in riparian zones and floodplains
Other Names
Common Names: Silverleaf Poplar, Abele, Silver Poplar, European White Poplar, Silver-Leaved Poplar, Witpopulier, Sølv-Poppel, Silber-Pappel, Álamo Blanco, Hopeapoppeli
Scientific Names: , Populus alba, Populus alba var. alba, Populus alba var. nivea, Populus bolleana, Populus alba var. denudata, Populus denudata, Populus alba var. microphylla, Populus alba var. bolleana, Populus subintegerrima var. berkanensis
GBIF Accepted Name: Populus alba L.