# Lombardy Poplar (*Populus nigra*)

The Lombardy Poplar is a tall and narrow tree that grows in straight lines. It’s often used to make beautiful rows in parks.

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Gardens and parks
- **Also known as:** Italian Poplar, Populus nigra 'Italica'

![Lombardy Poplar](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426402/objects/4883.jpg)

## Appearance

The Lombardy Poplar is a strikingly tall and slender tree, instantly recognizable by its narrow, columnar shape and upward-pointing branches. Its dense crown of dark green, triangular leaves creates a dramatic, vertical presence in any landscape.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Streptophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Malpighiales
- **Family:** Salicaceae
- **Genus:** Populus

## Interesting facts

- Almost all Lombardy Poplars are male clones from one single tree!
- Ancient Romans planted them to mark roads and define property boundaries.
- Their unique tall, slender shape was first noticed centuries ago in Italy.
- They grow incredibly fast, shooting up several feet each year!

## Special abilities

- **Rapid Regrowth:** Lombardy Poplar can sprout quickly from cuttings, allowing it to easily spread and establish new trees.
- **Living Wall:** Its incredibly dense, upright form creates natural windbreaks, protecting crops and land from strong winds.
- **Adaptable Roots:** Lombardy Poplar has roots that tolerate various soil conditions, helping it thrive near rivers and disturbed sites.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 20-40 m
- **Spread:** 3-5 m
- **Edible:** No
- **Size:** 100-200 cm
- **Lifespan:** 50-150 years
- **Fruit Type:** Catkins
- **Growth Rate:** Fast
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** [American Beaver](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-beaver) (*Castor canadensis*) — Beavers will sometimes eat the bark and twigs.
- **Eats:** Large Poplar Borer (*Saperda carcharias*) — Its larvae bore into the wood, damaging the tree.
- **Shelter:** [Baltimore Oriole](https://www.snappit.app/explore/baltimore-oriole) (*Icterus galbula*) — Birds like orioles may nest in its tall branches.
- **Eats:** [Poplar Leaf Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/poplar-leaf-beetle) (*Chrysomela populi*) — Larvae and adults feed on poplar leaves.
- **Eaten by:** [Oyster Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oyster-mushroom) (*Pleurotus ostreatus*) — Fungi like this decompose dead poplar wood.

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [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.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## 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 Lombardy 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 Lombardy Poplar?

20-40 m

### How wide does Lombardy Poplar spread?

3-5 m

### Is Lombardy Poplar edible?

No

### How big is Lombardy Poplar?

100-200 cm

### How long does Lombardy Poplar live?

50-150 years

### Where is Lombardy Poplar usually found?

Gardens and parks

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

Catkins

## Where to spot

- [Drusillas Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/drusillas-park) — England, GB · Zoo
- [Park an der Ilm (Weimar)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/park-an-der-ilm-weimar) — Thüringen, 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: [Lombardy Poplar: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lombardy-poplar)