# 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.

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Riverbanks and wetlands
- **Also known as:** Balm Poplar

![Black Poplar](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424638/objects/4882.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** TRACHEOPHYTA
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** MALPIGHIALES
- **Family:** SALICACEAE
- **Genus:** Populus

## 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

- **Flood Survivor:** Black Poplar can thrive in regularly flooded areas, helping it colonize riverbanks and wetlands where other trees struggle.
- **Branch Regenerator:** Black Poplar has branches that can root if they break off and land in moist soil, helping it spread new trees naturally.
- **Rapid Pioneer:** 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
- **Spread:** 10-18 m
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Size:** 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
- **Shelter:** [Common Blackbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-blackbird) (*Turdus merula*) — Nests in its dense canopy
- **Depends on:** Dryad's Saddle Fungus (*Polyporus squamosus*) — Decomposes dead wood

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
- [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
- [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
- [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Black Poplar?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Black Poplar?

20-35 m

### How wide does Black Poplar spread?

10-18 m

### Is Black Poplar edible?

Yes

### How big is Black Poplar?

100-200 cm

### How long does Black Poplar live?

100-300 years

### Where is Black Poplar usually found?

Riverbanks and wetlands

### What kind of fruit does Black Poplar produce?

Capsule (containing cottony seeds)

## Where to spot

- [Schlosspark Mosigkau, Dessau (Dessau-Roßlau)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/schlosspark-mosigkau-dessau) — Sachsen-Anhalt, DE · Park

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Black Poplar: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-poplar)