International Wood Magazine

Spotlight On: White Poplar, Silver Poplar, Silverleaf Poplar, Abele

Species: Populus alba

Restaurant interior featuring curved White Poplar wood slat walls, ceiling, and a sweeping ribbed bench that spirals through the dining room with upholstered chairs and tables.
A restaurant interior showcases White Poplar (Populus alba) used extensively in curved wall cladding, ceiling slats, and a sculptural ribbed bench. The light, uniform sapwood highlights the wood's suitability for paneling and interior millwork.

Species: Populus alba

Origin: Southern/Central Europe to Central Asia, Morocco, the Iberian Peninsula

Common Applications: Commonly used as a utility wood in furniture, moldings, paneling and panels, paper, pallets, boxes and crates.

Characteristics/Appearance: A light, soft hardwood with sapwood that is white or light green cast. The color is lighter and more uniform than that of American Southern Yellow Poplar (also known as Tulipwood, Liriodendron tulipfera), and it is also generally free of dark mineral streaks that are found in that species. Heartwood is reddish-yellow.

Janka Hardness Scale: 410 lb_f (see chart on page 19)

Comments: White Poplar wood is soft, lightweight, pliable, and relatively inexpensive, and can be prone to breakage. It machines easily but may fuzz and tear if tools are not sharp. It takes paints and stains well. Many Italian renaissance painters, such as Leonardo da Vinci, painted on wooden panels made of this wood.

Frequently asked questions

Where does White Poplar (Populus alba) originate from?+

White Poplar is native to Southern and Central Europe, extending to Central Asia, Morocco, and the Iberian Peninsula.

What are the common uses of White Poplar wood?+

White Poplar is commonly used as a utility wood in furniture, moldings, paneling and panels, paper, pallets, boxes, and crates.

How does White Poplar compare in appearance to American Southern Yellow Poplar?+

White Poplar's sapwood is lighter and more uniform in color than American Southern Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera), and it is generally free of the dark mineral streaks found in that species. Its heartwood is reddish-yellow.

What is the Janka hardness rating of White Poplar?+

White Poplar has a Janka hardness rating of 410 lb_f, making it a relatively soft hardwood.

How well does White Poplar machine and finish?+

White Poplar machines easily but may fuzz and tear if tools are not kept sharp. It takes paints and stains well.

Why is White Poplar historically significant in art?+

Many Italian Renaissance painters, including Leonardo da Vinci, used wooden panels made of White Poplar as a painting surface.