NPSOT Logo
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

White Poplar

Populus alba

Other Common Names

Alamo Blanco, Silverleaf Poplar

Plant Category

Tree

Invasive Description

Native to Europe to western Siberia and central Asia, the White Poplar was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental in 1748. It is a tall tree to 70 feet or more in height and 40 to 50 ft. spread. The smooth, greenish-white bark becomes dark and rough on older trees. Branches are susceptible to breakage when under stress, such as heavy snow or ice. The leaves resemble maple leaves, but the topside of leaves is shiny, dark green while the underside is bright white and hairy. Male and female flowers are borne in catkins on separate trees in March and April. The small seeds are adorned with cottony fluff that is easily blown by the wind in late spring.

Ecological Threat

White Poplar outcompetes native trees and shrubs in sunny areas, such as forest edges and fields and interferes with the natural community succession. Local spread is mainly through root suckers. The tree is an especially strong competitor because it can grow in a variety of soils, produce large seed crops, and resprouts easily in response to damage. Dense stands prevent other plants growing by reducing the amount of sunlight, nutrients, water and space available.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions