White poplar (Populus alba)
The genus Populus includes poplars, as well as aspens and cottonwoods. While there are a number of native poplars in Massachusetts, others, such as the white poplar (Populus alba), have been introduced from elsewhere in the world. Although it has not spread to nuisance levels in Massachusetts, some states, including Connecticut, have placed white poplar on their invasive species list. Superficially, many poplars resemble each other. But white populars can be easily distinguished from other related species. The most obvious…