Populus alba - white poplar (Forestry alveolus)

Genus of about 35 species of dioecious trees, mostly deciduous, of woods, valleys and marshy areas of the northern temperate regions of Europe, Asia and America. Populus alba is a fast-growing deciduous tree with a spreading crown and splayed branches. The characteristic and attractive feature of this species is its splendid silvery-white bark. The leaves have 5 deep lobes and a wavy edge, from broadly ovate to almost rounded and are dark green above; while on the lower surface they have the same colour as the silvery-white bark. At the beginning of spring it bears pendulous male catkins, red in colour, while the female ones are green. It can reach 30-40 m in height.

Pedoclimatic requirements

They tolerate any soil, even those temporarily saturated with water, but grow better in deep, fertile, moist but drained soil. It does not tolerate drought. Heliophilous species, it should be planted in the sun. For its magnificent bearing, the beauty of the bark and foliage, it is used to create tree-lined avenues, windbreak hedges and groves.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Populus alba

Family: Salicaceae