Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
white poplar
Family Name:
Salicaceae
Botanical Name:
Populus alba
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Pop alb
Geographic Origin:
Europe, Central Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Populus alba originated from the old world, its native range is from Central Europe to Central Asia. In Greek mythology it is said that the White Poplar was consecrated to Hercules for his defeat of Cacus. In his triumph he crowned himself with the branches of the tree as a token of his victory (1). For this reason, In Ancient Greco-Roman mythology, the white poplar is a symbol of a peaceful afterlife, used to honor the memory of those we love who have died (1). The flower of the white poplar is noted in the language of flowers as a symbol of time (1).
Cultivation Notes:
The seeds of Populus alba require an abundance of light and moisture. This plant is easily grown and prefers rich well drained soil, though it can tolerate acidic soils (11). It is shade intolerant, preferring full sun. It is important to give this tree plenty of room to grow, as poplars have aggressive root systems that can damage building foundations by drying the soil underneath them. They can tolerate hot and cool summer months. Populus alba is a fast growing plant but fairly short lived.
Ethnobotany:
The White Poplar was first introduced to North America in 1748 and has a long history of cultivation (5). It is mainly planted as an ornamental because of its attractive leaves and color. The wood of Populus alba is very light and fibrous but lacks durability. The main use of the wood is in the production of match sticks and packing boxes. Since the White Poplar grows so rapidly this tree is an ideal source for bio-fuels (2). Researchers in this area are breeding new varieties of Populus trees to produce more narrow treetops. This increases the logs that can be used to extract the cellulose that is then broken down into sugar monomers and used to produce ethanol. Historically this tree has been used effectively for pain treatment (2).
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
50 - 100 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Red
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
High Water Use
Citations:
1.
Wikipedia
."Populus Alba." Wikipedia.
Wikimedia Foundation, 12 July 2013. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
2. USDA
Plant Database. Conservation Plant
Characteristics for ScientificName (CommonName) | USDA PLANTS.
N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
3.
Botanical
Online
"Types of Poplars." Types
of Poplars. Botanical Online, n.d.
Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
4. Plants
for Our Future
"Pfaf Plant Search." Pfaf
Plant Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 10
Dec. 2013.
5. National
Park Service PCA.National
Parks Service. National Parks
Service, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
