The white poplar is a rounded
broad-leaved deciduous tree
growing up to 12 m high. It is
distinguished by the blue-grey
leaves with white undersides and
white bark. Leaves turn a brilliant
yellow in autumn. It has male
and female flowers on separate
trees. After flowering in October,
the unfertilised female flowers
become white wind borne 'fluff'
which spreads widely causing
respiratory irritation to some
people.
White poplar may be mistaken
for Silver birch.