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
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

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Shade Tolerant

Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Rapid Growing

Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.

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.