Poplars are part of the botanical family known as Salicaceae , which also contains their close relatives, the willows. The poplars include over 30 tree species distributed worldwide. Several species of poplars are common in Wisconsin. Two other poplars that are commonly planted as ornamentals in Wisconsin were introduced to North America from Europe.
Pulp produced from hybrid poplars can be a good substitute for that obtained from aspens.
Poplar wood, though soft, is used for pallets and shipping lumber, and better quality material has been used for furniture and moldings. Although CO2 is released when trees are burned, the amount of carbon added to the atmosphere is less than that removed by the tree during its years of growth. Poplars also can contribute to the aesthetic, recreational, and environmental quality of urban and rural areas. In rural areas, poplars contribute structure to the agricultural landscape, providing protection from the wind and offering wildlife habitat. Plantations of poplars also accumulate more snow than open land and reduce rates of snow melt and runoff to lessen flooding and erosion.