Popple/Poplar

Commonly labeled Popple, as well as other variations of this term, Popple is a misspelling of “poppel”, which is the Swedish word for Aspen trees.  It is also commonly labeled quaking aspen, trembling aspen, American aspen, mountain aspen, golden aspen, trembling poplar, white poplar, and poplar.  With over 35 species, typically living less than 50 years, Popples grow anywhere from 50–165 feet in height and can be found in North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.  

Popple wood is a lightweight wood, yet strong and elastic at the same time, with a wide range of uses inclusive of, but certainly not limited to, plywood, pallets, cabinets, snowboards, musical instruments, panels, and paper (pulpwood). In fact, many famous early Renaissance Italian paintings, most notably the Mona Lisa, were painted on poplar panels.  

As with most trees, the Popple has fascinating linkages to its history and significance within a variety of genres. The poplar was the first tree that had its full DNA code determined through DNA sequencing in 2006. Within the Celtic code of symbolic trees, the poplar tree is associated with victory, transformation and vision. An old superstition legend holds that if you plant a popple or aspen on your property, you will be protected from thieves. 

Learn more about the Popple at The Wood Database by clicking here.