Populus alba

Populus alba, commonly known as the white poplar, is a species of poplar tree in the family Salicaceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia, and is also widely cultivated in other parts of the world.

Description

Populus alba is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 20–30 m (66–98 ft), with a trunk up to 1 m (3.3 ft) in diameter. The bark is smooth and greenish-white, becoming grey and fissured with age. The leaves are alternate, ovate to diamond-shaped, and have white undersides due to a dense covering of white hairs.

Distribution and habitat

The white poplar is native to Europe, extending from Spain and Morocco in the west, to western Siberia and Xinjiang in China in the east. It is also found in western Asia, including Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus. The tree is widely cultivated and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.

Uses

Populus alba is often planted for its ornamental value, due to its distinctive leaves and bark. The wood is soft and light, and is used for purposes such as making matches, boxes, and paper. The tree is also used in forestry for soil stabilization and as a windbreak.

Ecology

The white poplar is a pioneer species, often one of the first trees to colonize disturbed or newly formed land. It is a host plant for several species of Lepidoptera, including the poplar hawk-moth (Laothoe populi).

Conservation

While Populus alba is not currently considered threatened, it is subject to a number of threats, including habitat loss due to urban development and agriculture, and the spread of diseases and pests.

See also

• List of Populus species
• Populus sect. Populus

External links

• The Plant List: Populus alba
• Flora of North America: Populus alba