International Poplar Commission

Information on poplars and willows

Native to the temperate and subtropical zones, trees and shrubs of Salicaceae are fast-growing, easy to propagate vegetatively, and highly adaptable to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. These characteristics, combined with the wide range of wood, fibre, fuelwood and other forest products and services they provide, have led to the widespread use of poplars and willows around the world. Traditionally used in forestry and integrated with agricultural systems, they are more recently being used as renewable energy sources and for soil remediation in contaminated sites.

Native areas of Salicaceae in the world (Image: FAO)