Silver poplar

Silver poplar is a medium‑sized deciduous tree that grows up to 25 metres tall. It usually has a spreading shape and in ungrazed areas, it spreads easily by root suckers. The bark is grey and smooth, becoming shallowly cracked as the tree ages. Young shoots and buds are white and covered in soft down, but they are not sticky.

The leaves are 4–15 centimetres long and have five lobes. They are fuzzy when young, but this wears off over time. The underside of the leaf is white and the top is green. Male and female catkins grow on separate trees. Seed capsules form on female trees and mature by early summer.

Silver poplar also spreads through root suckers that grow from lateral roots, sometimes up to 30 metres away from the main trunk.

Silver poplar produces many root suckers, which means dense stands can form and persist. The trees are long‑lived and can become the dominant species in the canopy. They tolerate drought, poor soils, a wide range of temperatures, and low light levels, but do not tolerate poorly drained soils.

Because of their extensive root system and strong suckering habit, silver poplar can spread quickly and become invasive. It poses a particular threat to riparian areas and wetlands. Although the tree does not produce viable seed, it spreads through root suckers moved by soil disturbance, intentional planting, and dumped green waste. Dense stands can prevent native seedlings from establishing, and the roots may clog waterways.