Poplar, White

The White Poplar typically reaches heights between 40 and 70 feet with spreads much the same as the height. This tree is tolerant of many soil types as long as they are dry, well drained and in the sun. A broad crown is formed due to the erect and spreading branches. Several pests and diseases are common to the White Poplar making it a very poor ornamental tree. Usually the southern boundary of its growing range is the northern U.S.

The alternate, simple, palmate LEAVES are 2-5” long and grow on short branches. Each leaf has 3-5 triangular lobes and is rounded at the base (or subcordate). The top of the leaf is dark green while the bottom is paler and thickly matted with short hairs. Usually the leaves are smaller when they grow on the older branches. In the fall the leaves turn a pale yellow. The white underside of the leaves is the reason for the name.

The dioecious plant bears its FLOWERS in loosely hanging catkins. The male catkins are slightly shorter than the female ones (2-3” compared with 3-4”) each with 6-10 stamens. The yellow flowers appear before the foliage in March and April and are inconspicuous.

The FRUIT from the White Poplar comes in the form of fuzzy, white seedpods. The ovoid capsule is 1/8-1/5” long and is 2-valved. The SEEDS are tiny and have some long, silky white hair.

The greenish gray to whitish BARK is normally smooth except at the base where deep fissures develop. The WOOD is soft, light and very weak making this tree susceptible to breakage. The green/brown BRANCHES are covered in white hairs, especially at the tip.

The wood has been used in production of paper pulp, boxes and crates. Several parts of the plant have been used in various remedies for various illnesses.