Advertisement

Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist

Populus alba, or white poplar, is a large, very fast-growing deciduous tree. The young twigs and leaves are all covered in downy white hair, which can give it the impression that the tree is covered in snow. The rounded leaves are dark green on top and white and hairy underneath. They look particularly striking on a breezy day against a blue sky.

In spring, catkins appear – red on male trees, green on female trees. When they have been pollinated by the wind, female catkins develop into fluffy, white seeds. The leaves turn golden yellow in autumn.

While not a native tree, Populus alba is naturalised all over the UK and is often found growing near water, as it needs moist soil. It's tolerant of a wide range of soils and sites, including salty winds, and is often grown as a windbreak tree, especially on coastal sites.

Populus alba is a good tree for wildlife – several moth caterpillars feed on its leaves and the catkins provide early pollen and nectar for bees and other insects. Birds eat the seeds.

Populus alba does not need regular pruning but if you need to do so, prune in late summer to prevent it 'bleeding'. Remove suckers from the base in autumn or winter.

This is a tree for the boundary of a very large garden or parkland. Do not grow white poplar near buildings – its vigorous roots may damage drains and foundations.

This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more.

Advice on buying Populus alba

  • Make sure you have enough space to grow your poplar – it can ultimately reach 20m x 15m. Do not plant it near buildings
  • You're likely to find Populus alba at a specialist tree nursery or online. Always buy trees from a reputable supplier that sells British-grown or certified disease-free stock, to guarantee against pests and diseases
  • Male trees are more ornamental, as they bear attractive red catkins
  • Look out for bare root trees, on sale in winter – these are much cheaper than pot-grown trees

Where to buy Populus alba

Advertisement

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyes
Pruneyes

Populus and wildlife

Populus is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds and butterflies/moths. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Populus poisonous?

Populus has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Populus alba
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement