POPLAR. 271 
it should be cut back, as it will then often renew itself. The 
tree is generally shortlived in this section. It does not afford 
shade enough for a forest or shade tree, and does not make a 
good windbreak. 
Populus alba. White Poplar. Silverleaf. 
Leaves roundish, slightly heart-shaped, wavy toothed or 
lobed; the under surface, woolly white, especially early in the 
season. Branches round, without angles; buds small. A large 
spreading tree of rapid growth, very much disposed to sucker 
from the root. It has given rise to many varieties, that differ 
from the species in form of tree and leaf and in other particulars. 
Distribution—Europe and Asia Minor; naturalized in the 
United States. 
Propagation.—By cuttings and suckers. 
Properties of wood.—White, soft, light, close grained and easily 
worked. Specific gravity of air-dried wood 0.48. 
Uses —The White Poplar is seldom planted, as it is not so 
ornamental as some of the varieties. It is a very hardy tree, but 
is occasionally killed back in very trying locations. It is well 
adapted to planting in shelter belts where its suckering habit is 
not a drawback to its presence. The wood is adapted to inside 
finishing and to many of the purposes for which White Pine is 
used. “Jt is probable that we have no tree with valuable wood 
that will reach saw log size on our prairie soils as soon as this.” 
Varieties.— 
Populus alba nivea. (P. argenlea, Koch.) Snowy Poplar. 
This is the commonest form of the White Poplar in this 
country. It is known by the snow-white under surface of its 
foilage and the three to five-lobed maple-like leaf. It is some- 
times wrongly called Silver Maple, from the resemblance of its 
foliage to that of a maple. The foliage is so very obtrusive 
that it is likely to be used too frequently in lawn plantings. It 
may, however, be used sparingly to good purpose to brighten 
up groups of trees and shrubbery which present too gloomy 
an aspect. It should seldom, if ever, be used as a street tree as 
masses of it seem to be out of harmony with every good thing in 
the landscape. In closely settled communities the down on the 
leaves often becomes filled with soot and gives the tree a dirty 
appearance. Hardy everywhere, and easily grown from cuttings. 
