Populus alba aka Silver Poplar

Taxonomy

Genus Populus Family Salicaceae Order Malpighiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Populus alba, commonly known as silver poplar, silverleaf poplar, or white poplar, is a species of poplar closely related to the aspens. It is native to a wide region stretching from the Atlas Mountains of Africa to Central Asia, including South and Central Europe. However, it has been introduced to various temperate and moist areas worldwide. This deciduous tree thrives in moist sites, particularly by watersides, in regions with hot summers and cold to mild winters. The 'Richardii' variety of Populus alba is a spreading tree that grows up to about 12m in height. It has lobed leaves that are greenish-yellow on the upper side and covered in white felt beneath. Its young shoots are also covered in white felt. During early spring, the tree produces green female or red male catkins. White poplar is an attractive ornamental tree with its distinctive green-and-white leaves. It requires abundant light and ample moisture and is known for its ability to withstand floodwaters and slightly acidic soils. However, its root suckers can sometimes cause issues. This tree is commonly found in water meadows and is also planted in coastal areas to strengthen sand dunes due to its extensive root system and salt tolerance. In cultivation in northern Europe, the majority of white poplars are female trees. This medium-sized deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 15–30 m and has a trunk diameter of up to 2 m. Its bark is smooth and greenish-white to greyish-white, with diamond-shaped dark marks on young trees that become blackish and fissured at the base of old trees. The young shoots of Populus alba are covered in whitish-grey down, including small buds. Its leaves are five-lobed, measuring 4–15 cm in length, and covered in a thick layer of white scurfy down on both sides, particularly underneath. The tree is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female catkins on different trees. The male catkins are grey with dark red stamens, while the female catkins are greyish-green. After pollination, the female catkins lengthen to 8–10 cm and produce several green seed capsules, which mature from late spring to early summer. This tree also spreads through root suckers, forming extensive clonal colonies that can extend up to 20–30 m from the trunk.

Common names

Silver Poplar, Silverleaf Poplar, Abele

How to care for Silver Poplar

Difficulty

Caring for Silver Poplar is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Silver Poplar should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Silver Poplar, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Silverleaf Poplar is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Silver Poplar will thrive!

Lighting

Silver Poplar requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Silverleaf Poplar is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Silver Poplar should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Silver Poplar as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Silver Poplar’s native range is C. Europe to Asia. Frequently planted in Britain but not naturalized[17].

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Populus Genus

Populus canadensis Carolina Poplar

Populus canescens Grey Poplar

Populus sibirica Populus Sibirica

Populus ciliata Himalayan Poplar

Populus deltoides Common Cottonwood

Populus grandidentata Canadian Aspen

Populus deltoides wislizenii Rio Grande Cottonwood

Populus trichocarpa Black Cottonwood

Populus alba Silver Poplar

Populus euphratica Euphrates Poplar