Alien Invasives

06 October 2016

Other names

Witpopulier (Afrikaans)

Invasive status

NEMBA Category 2
CARA 2002 Category 2

Description

White Poplar is a deciduous tree growing up to 16 metres tall with white or grey bark with horizontal lines that become rough and darker with age. Buds and young twigs are thickly white and woolly. The dark green leaves are shiny above and white or grey and woolly beneath. Greenish-yellow catkins appear in spring. It invades river banks, vleis and dongas as it suckers profusely.

Originally from

Europe, Asia and North Africa

Where is it a problem?

Mpumalanga and Gauteng province

How does it spread?

Wind-dispersed seeds that may be carried long distances and free suckering

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and replaces indigenous riverine species. Dense stands formed by suckering from the roots can narrow and block water channels, causing flooding and increased siltation. Extensive stands are likely to cause a significant reduction in stream flow.

Planting alternatives

River Bushwillow (Combretum erythrophyllum)

Uses

Timber, shelter and ornamental