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White Poplar
Populus alba
Family: Willow (Salicaceae)
Height: 40-60' (12-18 m)
Tree: medium-sized tree with single or multiple trunks, open widely spreading crown
Leaf: lobed, maple-shaped, 2-5" (5-12.5 cm) in length, alternately attached, 3 pointed lobes, few rounded teeth, light green above and chalky white below, covered with white hairs, silky white when young
Bark: dark brown color and deeply furrowed near base, yellowish white color with dark horizontal marks (lenticels) and smooth upper
Flower: catkin, 2-3" (5-7.5 cm) long, composed of many tiny flowers, 1/4" (.6 cm) wide
Fruit: catkin-like fruit, 2-3" (5-7.5 cm) long, composed of many capsules that open and release many tiny cottony seeds, which float on the wind
Fall Color: yellow to brown
Origin/Age: non-native, introduced to the U.S. from Europe; 100-125 years
Habitat: wide variety of soils, sun
Range: throughout, planted in parks, yards, along roads
Stan’s Notes: The maple-like lobed leaves of the White Poplar are unusual for a member of the Populus genus. Buds and leaf undersides are covered with tiny white hairs, giving newly budded leaves a whitish-colored appearance and the species its common name. Also known as Silver-leaf Poplar or European White Poplar, it was among the first trees that were introduced to North America from Europe during colonial times. A fast-growing tree with several varieties sold. Species name alba means “white.”
