White Poplar (Silver Poplar)
Populus alba · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Salicaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
None specified; standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. Very winter-hardy and adaptable to cold mountain climates.
About This Tree
A medium to large fast-growing tree with a broad, rounded, or irregular crown. It is most famous for its 'bi-color' foliage and strikingly white, birch-like bark on young stems and upper branches.
Leaf Characteristics
Leaves are simple and alternate. Young leaves are palmately 3-5 lobed (resembling maple leaves), while older leaves may be oval. The upper surface is dark green, while the underside is covered in dense, white, woolly hairs, giving the tree a silver appearance in the wind.
Bark Characteristics
The bark on young trunks and upper branches is smooth and greenish-white to stark white, marked with dark diamond-shaped lenticels. As the tree ages, the base of the trunk becomes dark, rough, and deeply furrowed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Central and Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western/Central Asia. Invasive in parts of North America.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (April/May), flowers in early spring before leaves appear, and enters dormancy in late autumn. Best planted in late winter or early spring.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth. It is highly adaptable to various moisture levels but prefers moist, well-drained soils. Once established, it is notably drought-tolerant.
Mature Size
Mature height of 60-100 feet with a spread of 40-60 feet. Growth rate is very fast, often exceeding 2-3 feet per year. Lifespan is relatively short, typically 30-50 years.
Special Characteristics
Known for its salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal areas. It has high ornamental value due to its shimmering silver foliage. However, it is prone to producing many root suckers and can be aggressive in some ecosystems.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for various bird species and acts as a larval host for several Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). The catkins provide early spring nectar for pollinators. Its extensive root system provides excellent soil stabilization along riverbanks.