1. Native / Non-native Status
Hybrid species. A natural cross between White Poplar (Populus alba) and Aspen (Populus tremula). Occurs in the UK, often planted but also naturalised.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Variable in form – often round to oval, sometimes shallowly lobed. Dark green above, densely covered with grey-white hairs beneath, giving a soft, felted look. Flattened stalks cause leaves to tremble like aspen.
Bark: Grey, smooth when young, becoming darker and ridged with age. Often lighter than native black poplar.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Produces male and female catkins on separate trees (dioecious). Male catkins reddish, female green, appearing in spring before leaves. Female trees produce fluffy seed capsules in early summer.
Overall shape: A tall, vigorous tree with a broad, rounded crown and often a straight trunk.
4. Typical Size
20–30 m tall; spread 12–20 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widespread across the UK, planted in parks, estates, and shelterbelts. Thrives on damp, fertile soils near rivers and floodplains but also tolerates drier ground. Frequently found naturalised.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Grey-white felted leaf undersides (contrast to the pure white of White Poplar).
Hybrid mix of rounded Aspen-like and lobed White Poplar-like leaves.
Vigorous growth, broad crown, and often suckering habit.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Catkins appear before leaves.
Summer: Grey-green canopy; shimmering leaf undersides in the wind.
Autumn: Leaves turn yellow before dropping.
Winter: Bare crown with pale-grey bark visible.
8. Human Uses
Timber light, soft, and used for crates, pallets, and paper pulp.
Sometimes planted as a fast-growing windbreak or ornamental shade tree.
Coppiced in some areas for poles and fuelwood.
9. Wildlife Value
Leaves feed caterpillars of several moth species.
Catkins provide nectar and pollen for early insects.
Seeds eaten by birds; dense canopy offers nesting sites.
Less biodiversity value than native black poplar but still useful for wildlife.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Known as a “shimmering tree” because its aspen parentage gives it constantly trembling foliage.
Can sucker extensively, creating small groves or clonal colonies.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, fertile soils but tolerates a wide range, including sandy or loamy ground. Avoid shallow chalk.
Light: Requires full sun for best growth.
Watering: Water regularly until established; tolerates both damp ground and occasional drought once mature.
Spacing: 8–12 m for specimen trees; closer (5–8 m) for shelterbelts.
Aftercare: Mulch base to retain moisture. Protect young trees from browsing. May need management to control suckers.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Useful in parks, large open spaces, and riversides; not suitable for narrow streets due to size and suckering roots.
Garden: Suitable for very large gardens and estates; too vigorous and invasive for small gardens.