Populus alba

Silver poplar

Populus alba, commonly known as the white poplar, is a deciduous tree prized for its striking silvery foliage. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this species holds significant ethnobotanical value. Historically, its bark and various components have been utilized in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties.

  • Scientific name: Populus alba
  • Family: Salicaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, falling into the family Salicaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Populus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Salicaceae WCVP
Genus Populus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Populus alba, is recognized by various common names across different Chinese linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 银白杨 (zh-hans) or 银白杨 (zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese contexts, it is known as 河北楊 (zh-hant) and 河北楊 (zh-hk). Additionally, in Singapore, the common name used is 河北杨 (zh-sg).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 银白杨 Wikidata
zh-hant 河北楊 Wikidata
zh-hk 河北楊 Wikidata
zh-cn 银白杨 Wikidata
zh-sg 河北杨 Wikidata
zh-tw 河北楊 Wikidata
pl topola biała Wikidata
eu Zurzuri Wikidata
udm Тӧдьы тополь Wikidata
ko 은백양 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Populus alba, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing within the territories of Denmark, Great Britain, and Ireland. Its presence also extends further north into the country of Sweden. Additionally, the species is documented in Middle Europe, specifically within Austria. These locations highlight its ability to thrive in diverse northern and central European landscapes.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Populus alba, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, particularly its leaves, leaf-buds, and bud exudates. The leaves are often harvested for their specific chemical constituents, while the leaf-buds serve as a concentrated source of active compounds used in traditional remedies. Additionally, the bud exudates, which are the resinous or sap-like substances released from the developing buds, are highly valued for their unique therapeutic qualities.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf-buds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bud exudates 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Populus alba has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chlorophylls, flavonoids, proline.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
chlorophylls 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
proline 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Populus alba has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆