What are the characteristics of the white poplar? An introduction to its morphological features and growth habits
The white poplar is a deciduous tree of the genus Populus in the willow family (Salicaceae), also known as white poplar, silver poplar, and so on. It generally grows 15 to 30 m tall, with grayish-white bark. It is a very common tree with extremely strong survival ability. Wherever there is loess, along big roads and beside field ridges, it is there. It has many uses: it can be used as firewood, made into furniture, used as roof purlins and beams, and made into farm tools. Now let us take a look at what characteristics the white poplar has!
Characteristics of the white poplar
Strong vitality, tall and upright, firm and unwavering. The characteristics of the white poplar are tenacious vitality, strength and resilience, and a tall, upright form. In the northwest region it is the most common kind of tree. Wherever there is grass, there is the shadow of the white poplar. It is not particular about living conditions: wherever there is loess, that is where it grows. It does not seek rain, nor is it greedy for sunlight. Even on hard ground, as long as it is given a little moisture, a cut branch will take root and sprout.
The spirit of the white poplar
Close unity, striving for the best, standing firm with stubbornness, and never yielding. The white poplar is not afraid of wind and rain. Wherever it is needed, it quickly takes root and sprouts there. Whether it encounters sandstorms or wind and snow, whether it encounters drought or floods, it is always so straight, so strong, neither weak nor wavering. It needs only to move aside a little space where weeds grow to adorn the yellow earth and hold up a patch of green. It does not need people to fertilize it, nor does it need to be watered like delicate lawn grass. As long as no one swings an axe to cut it down, and it is given a little room, allowing it to breathe free air, it will stand tall and grow upward.
The uses of the white poplar
The white poplar has very strong adaptability. Its tree form is tall, and its silvery-white leaves sway in the breeze and have a special shimmering effect in sunlight. Its appearance is upright and clean, and it has a certain ornamental value. It can be used as a shade tree, a street tree, or planted in clumps on lawns, and can also be used as a tree species for sand fixation, soil conservation, rock and embankment protection, and afforestation of barren sand. In addition, it also has medicinal value. The sap extracted from the white poplar (containing salicylic acid) can relieve pain and fever. The bark of the white poplar has the effects of dispelling wind, promoting blood circulation and removing stasis, and reducing phlegm. It treats conditions such as wind arthralgia, beriberi, blood stasis from trauma, dysentery during pregnancy, toothache, and mouth sores.