Populus alba - White Poplar

Populus alba, also known as the Dutch Beech, White Poplar, or Silver-leaved Poplar, is a fast-growing tree of a medium to large size and with a more or less conical habit. Its grey-white trunk is not without interest, but it is its leaves, with their truly white undersides, that give it its name. Very hardy, it also withstands heat well, and while it appreciates humidity and the proximity of water sources, it is also quite resistant to drought once well established. An interesting tree for the back of borders or as an avenue tree in large spaces. 

The White Poplar belongs to the Salicaceae family, whose two most well-known genera are Willows and Poplars, but which also includes some ornamental members with a more limited distribution, such as Idesia or Azara.
It is native to central and southern Europe, central and western Asia. This species is found in many areas including North Africa, as well as in colder climates of central Europe, demonstrating its great climatic adaptability. It is a tree that enjoys sunlight, preferring neutral to alkaline soils and growing at low altitudes ,less than 900 m (2953ft). It prefers to be planted in wet locations, such as riverbanks, but it also tolerates relatively dry soils better than other species in the genus. In its natural habitat, it reaches heights of 20 to 30 m (66 to 98ft), with a habit that can be either erect and conical, or slightly spreading with a rounded crown.

This botanical species has spread to parks and gardens because it has a number of advantages. Its tolerance to different types of soils and climates makes it an easy plant to grow, even by the seaside as it tolerates salt spray well. From an ornamental point of view, it is attractive with its deciduous foliage, dark green on the upper surface and covered with a white fuzz on the undersides, which gives its foliage a silvery hue when the wind blows through the leaves. The alternate leaves are medium-sized ,6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in), and usually divided into 3 to 5 lobes, but they exhibit a highly pronounced polymorphism: some can be almost oval.  A dioecious plant, individuals are either female or male.  Blooming occurs in March-April, in the form of large hairy catkins, whitish-grey in female subjects (later producing 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long spikes of fruits), and red in males.
The trunk has a light, whitish-grey colour that is aesthetic and as it ages, curious diamond-shaped pores appear on the bark surface. It grows rapidly, especially in the first few years, reaching 25 to 30 m (82 to 98ft) in height and 12 to 15 m (39 to 49ft) in spread. Equipped with a powerful and shallow root system, it can produce suckers. It is advisable not to plant it too close to a dwelling ,keep a safe distance of 15 to 20 m (49 to 66ft), and it is therefore more suitable for a large garden.  It can live for several centuries, sometimes developing multiple trunks. This tree is very hardy to -30°C.

Due to its size and suckering habit,  Populus alba is suitable for large spaces, where it can be planted as a specimen tree, in large hedges, or along the edge of a pond. Its silvery foliage can then be reflected in the water, creating a romantic scene. In these moist conditions, it can be accompanied by Alnus glutinosa Imperialis, a compact alder with astonishing finely-cut foliage resembling that of a fern. In the foreground, Gunnera manicata, or Giant Brazilian Rhubarb, will create a contrast with its gigantic leaves. This moderately hardy perennial can tolerate cold climates provided it is given winter protection for the stump.