From Latin 'populus' (poplar tree)—a homograph of 'populus' (people) but etymologically unrelated.
A fast-growing deciduous tree of the genus Populus, with soft wood and trembling leaves.
From Old French 'poplier,' from Latin 'populus' (the poplar tree—distinct from 'populus' meaning people). The Romans called it 'arbor populi' (tree of the people) because it was planted along public roads and in town squares. Key roots: populus (Latin: "poplar tree").