About
Populus alba, the white poplar, is a large, spreading, deciduous tree with a broad crown, suckering freely. Rounded, deeply lobed leaves are dark green on top and white and downy underneath. Young shoots and leaves are completely white and hairy; yellow autumn colour is produced in season. In spring, ornamental red male catkins or green female catkins appear. A rewarding and architectural tree for a large, open, moist site.
About the genus
Populus, the poplars and aspens, are mostly very fast-growing, large, deciduous trees producing male and female catkins on separate trees before the leaves open in spring. Male catkins are the more ornamental; female trees can be a nuisance from cottony, wind-blown seeds. Excellent trees for large landscapes.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope to C Asia
Care notes
CultivationCultivated for their very rapid growth as specimen trees and useful for windbreaks. Tolerant of any soil other than constantly waterlogged soils. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root systems may damage drains and foundations, particularly on clay soils. It has the potential to become a nuisance
PruningPruning group 1 in late summer to avoid bleeding from pruning cuts but established trees need little pruning; sucker removal in autumn or winter
PropagationPropagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus