CAUTION: INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Populus alba, or white poplar, is not recommended to plant, due to aggressive tendencies. The native range of Populus alba encompasses central and southern Europe, the Mediterranean islands, temperate Asia, and northern Africa. It prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soils with full sun. The white poplar is a fast-growing tree that is known for aggressive suckering, which can form colonies. Instead, consider Ontario native alternatives like Populus tremuloides or Populus deltoides.