Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool

white poplar

Populus alba

L.

Taxon, Habit: Plant, Tree

Habitat: Terrestrial

U.S. Nativity: Introduced

Species Synonym(s): None

Common Name(s): None

Family: Salicaceae (Willow Family)

Family Synonym(s): None

Native Range (GRIN):

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Tree

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut

Flower

Paul Wray, Iowa State University

Foliage

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut

Foliage

Paul Wray, Iowa State University

Foliage

Paul Wray, Iowa State University

Plant

Zelimir Borzan, University of Zagreb

Tree

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut

Bark

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut

Root

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut

Plant

USDA NRCS PLANTS Database , USDA NRCS PLANTS Database

Description

Appearance
Populus alba is a tree that can grow 40-80 ft. (12.2-24.4 m) tall and 40-50 ft. (12.2-15.2 m) wide. The bark on young trees is smooth and greenish white becoming gray and wrinkled, as trees age.
Foliage
The leaves resemble maple leaves, but the topside of leaves are shiny, dark green while the underside is bright white and hairy. Leaves are 2-4 in. (5.1-10.2 cm) long.
Flowers
Flowers are inconspicuous and develop in slim, cylindrical flower clusters (catkins) before the leaves develop.
Fruit
Fruit are small, hairy seed pods that are spread by wind.
Ecological Threat
Branches are susceptible to breakage when under stress, such as heavy snow or ice. Trees produce prolific rootsprouts. Populus alba is native to Eurasia and grows best in full sun.

Uses

Landscape Ornamental Use (GRIN): Yes

All Uses (GRIN): Ornamental, Shade/shelter, Tannin/dyestuff, Wood, Potential seed contaminant

Distribution Map (EDDMapS)

Wetland Indicator

Summary: white poplar (Populus alba) is a Terrestrial species.

Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain (AGCP):

Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain regions

No Data

Eastern Mountains and Piedmont (EMP):

Mid-Atlantic Piedmont and Mountain regions

No Data

Northcentral and Northeast (NCNE):

Northern parts of PA and NJ (and beyond)

No Data


Legend (data from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

OBL (Obligate wetland): Almost always occurs in wetlands (estimated probability > 99%) under natural conditions

FACW (Facultative wetland): Usually occurs in wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in non-wetlands

FAC (Facultative): Equally likely to occur in wetlands (estimated probability 34% - 66%) or non-wetlands

FACU (Facultative upland): Usually occur in non-wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in wetlands (estimated probability 1% - 33%)

UPL (Obligate upland): Occur almost always (estimated probability > 99%) in non-wetlands under natural conditions

Taxonomic Rank

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Order: Salicales
Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Populus
Subject: Populus alba L.

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