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Black Poplar

Populus nigra L.

The Black Poplar tree has tall, straight trunks and fluttering leaves. It grows near water and is home to many birds.

Habitat: Riverbanks and wetlands

Appearance

The Black Poplar is a large, stately tree with dark, deeply furrowed bark that often develops distinctive burrs or burls. Its triangular, often heart-shaped, light green leaves shimmer in the breeze, and its upright, often irregular crown gives it a rugged appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTRACHEOPHYTAClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMALPIGHIALESFamilySALICACEAEGenusPopulus

Black Poplar

Interesting facts

Ancient Romans sometimes planted Black Poplars to mark boundaries and shade sacred spots along rivers.

Its sticky buds produce a resin that bees collect and use to make propolis, a protective glue for their hives!

Sometimes, its trunk grows huge, gnarly burls (round growths) that are highly prized by woodworkers for their unique patterns.

The wood of Black Poplar is surprisingly resistant to rot when it's submerged in water, making it good for underwater structures.

Special abilities

Black Poplar can thrive in regularly flooded areas, helping it colonize riverbanks and wetlands where other trees struggle.

Black Poplar has branches that can root if they break off and land in moist soil, helping it spread new trees naturally.

Black Poplar can grow very quickly, helping it establish itself fast in newly opened sunny areas, outcompeting slower species.

Measurements & details

Height: 20-35 m
Canopy Spread: 10-18 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 100-200 cm
Lifespan: 100-300 years
Fruit Type: Capsule (containing cottony seeds)
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

eats

Poplar Hawk-moth

Laothoe populi

Larvae feed on the leaves

eats

European Beaver

Castor fiber

Fells for food and dam building

parasitizes

Poplar Spiral Gall Aphid

Pemphigus spyrothecae

Creates galls on leaf stalks

shelters

Common Blackbird

Turdus merula

Nests in its dense canopy

depends on

Dryad's Saddle Fungus

Polyporus squamosus

Decomposes dead wood

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Rapid Growing

Watch these energetic plants grow super fast, quickly transforming spaces and adding lush greenery in a blink of an eye!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.