White Poplar
Populus alba
The white poplar is a large deciduous tree that reaches heights of up to 35 meters and often forms a broad, spreading crown. Particularly striking are the leaves, which are permanently white-felted on the underside, giving the tree a silvery appearance in the wind. As a pioneer species, it prefers moist locations in floodplains and along water bodies, but it is also quite tolerant of drought and salt.
Details
Oxygen production
High photosynthetic rate due to rapid growth.
Habitat function
Structural element in floodplains, erosion control, providing shade for water bodies.
Nutrient uptake
High uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus from soil water.
Food source for
Caterpillars of the Purple Emperor, bees (pollen), various beetle species.
Human use
Wood for matches, plywood, and pulp; used as an ornamental tree and in windbreak strips.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important pioneer species in softwood floodplains; provides habitat for specialized insects and nesting opportunities for birds.
Natural predators
Poplar borer (beetle), various sawflies, and fungi such as the tinder fungus.
Competitor species
Other poplar species, willows, and in later succession stages hardwood floodplain trees like oaks.
Ecosystem service
Bank stabilization, carbon sequestration, filtering of sediments during floods.
Threats
Loss of natural floodplains due to river straightening and dyke construction.
Scientific profile
Profile
Protection & threats
Main threats
River regulation, loss of natural flooding dynamics, hybridization with Populus tremula (forming Populus x canescens), and clearing of riparian forests.