Also known as Abele · Abele Tree · Bela Topola (serbian)
White poplar (Populus alba) is a fast-growing deciduous tree with silvery-white undersides on its leaves, offering attractive seasonal color and shade.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young and during droughts.
Clay, Loam, Sand, Well-drained
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Prefers temperate climates but can tolerate a range of temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Generally considered non-toxic to mildly toxic. Contains salicin, which can be harmful in very large quantities if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during the first few years and in dry periods, to maintain consistently moist soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Once established, white poplars are relatively drought-tolerant but will thrive with supplemental watering during extended dry spells for optimal growth.
Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning is mainly for structural development when young and for maintenance.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stimulate excessive suckering.
Propagate by cuttings or root cuttings taken in late winter or early spring. Cuttings root readily in moist soil or water. Layering can also be successful.
Seeds can be sown immediately after collection but often have low viability and require stratification.
Repotting is generally not applicable to mature white poplars due to their size. For container-grown young trees, repot in early spring every 2-3 years into a larger container with well-draining soil.
Ensure adequate root space for continued healthy development.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of White Poplar (Populus alba)
Where White Poplar (Populus alba) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Populus |
| Species | Populus alba |
Similar in genus Populus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
